WTI

Greater Yellowstone Regional Traveler & Weather Information Systems, US89

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

There are no reports associated with this project.

Project Objective

To demonstrate the use of advanced technologies and coordination of transportation providers to improve mobility, relieve congestion on roads and in parking facilities, and monitor weather-related road conditions on U.S. 89 between Livingston, Montana and the north entrance to Yellowstone Park in Gardiner, Montana.

Project Abstract

Increased travel demand on U.S. 89, compounded by limited room for infrastructure expansion, has resulted in the need for innovative solutions to the transportation challenges that have been created on this highly traveled route to Yellowstone National Park (YNP). The challenges include varying weather conditions, alternate routes that are separated by great distances, and animal-vehicle collisions. Motorists, particularly park visitors and those who work in or near the park, need to have information on weather, alternative routes in case of bad weather or road closures, and alternative transportation options. Because of the long distance between alternate routes, motorists need to know this information before they actually encounter these conditions. To achieve this, it is anticipated that dynamic message signs (DMS) may be installed to convey current information such as road conditions, weather, accidents and delays to enable motorists to make appropriate choices before they reach critical decision points. In addition, efforts will be made to mitigate the traffic by creating a ride-sharing system for car pooling and coordinating the use of existing public and private transportation providers -- charter buses, YNP employee shuttle, school buses, etc.

Task Descriptions

1. Transportation Business and Coordination Plan
   1. WTI will work with all relevant stakeholders along the U.S. 89 corridor to create a plan that will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of public transportation providers.
2. Transportation Clearinghouse/Rideshare Plan
   1. This plan will focus on the best way to distribute information about transportation options to motorists using the U.S. 89 corridor. A plan to implement a ride-sharing system will also be created.
3. Technical Report
   1. WTI will provide technical reports throughout the three-year project. A final comprehensive report will mark the completion of the project.
4. Evaluation
   1. WTI will evaluate whether there was an improvement in the serviceability of transportation routes based on the effective management of resources. The evaluation may include comparisons of before and after data, surveys and interviews with those who were part of the project or used some aspect of the project.
5. ITS Implementation
   1. Based on the Concept of Operations, all ITS elements will be implemented as planned, including the proposed DMS signs and all related technologies.
6. Concept of Operations
   1. Develop a detailed plan for the project.
7. Implement the Clearinghouse/Rideshare Plan
   1. This task will implement the above plan with a likely outcome being the development of a Web site that will provide a listing of all transportation options along the U.S. 89 corridor. It may also include a ride-sharing component on the Web site that will allow individuals to find others who are interested in car pooling.
8. Project Management
   1. All aspects of managing the project, from communication with stakeholders to ensuring adherence to the budget.
9. Implement Business and Coordination Plan
   1. Once the above plan has been developed, WTI will work with all relevant parties to implement the plan. Any additions or modifications will be made during the implementation process.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

intelligent transportation systems, dynamic message signs, alternative transportation

Partners

Montana Department of Transportation, Yellowstone National Park