WTI

Facilitating Special Event Congestion Management in Small Communities - UTC

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

There are no reports associated with this project.

Project Objective

The overall objective of this project is to develop and field test strategies and models that small urban and rural communities can use to reduce traffic congestion during special events.

Project Abstract

Traffic congestion challenges are not limited to large urban or metropolitan areas; in fact, due to the absence of alternate routes, congestion in rural and small urban areas can be severe. One source of non-recurring congestion in rural areas occurs during special events (festivals, sporting events, etc.) when a large number of motorists attempt to arrive or depart simultaneously and overload roadways with limited capacity. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has published a user guide for managing special event traffic to facilitate effective event planning and operations. In addition, the FHWA has implemented a number of strategies aimed at reducing highway and special event congestion; these strategies focus on expanding traveler information and improving coordination. This project will apply relevant strategies and guidelines in a small urban application, as a case study. The specific case study that will be conducted in the proposed project is managing the traffic congestion associated with a sporting event in a small town, namely Montana State University football games in Bozeman, Montana. The project will consist of several components, including the development of a coordinated, multi-agency approach to traffic management; and the deployment of advanced technologies to enhance traffic signal timing and expand access to real-time traveler information.

Task Descriptions

1. Data Collection and Analysis
   1. During two of the six home football games, researchers will collect several types of traffic data including intersection movement counts, tube counts (the number of cars passing a specific location), and travel time studies. These data will be used to refine traffic signal timing, and to analyze traffic operations before and after implementation of the new management strategies. Researchers will also conduct a motorist survey to evaluate user perception of the effectiveness of the traffic management strategies.
2. Technology Deployment – Permanent Mounts
   1. Camera and communications equipment will be installed and tested on a permanently mounted monitoring pole located at major intersection near the MSU campus (7th and Kagy Blvd. in Bozeman, Montana).
3. Game Day Operations
   1. Game day operations will include set up and deployment of the portable trailers, and staffing the TRAIL Lab to monitor traffic activities before and after the game. Staff members in the Lab will report any queuing, incidents, or congestion issues to the appropriate agency.
4. Technology Purchase and Configuration
   1. This task will encompass the purchase, configuration, and testing of the cameras and communications equipment needed for the project. Equipment will be used in conjunction with one permanent camera mount and several mobile trailers designed for traffic monitoring research.
5. Training
   1. WTI will train researchers and students who staff the WTI TRAIL laboratory (a systems lab where researchers can obtain images and information from the field equipment). On game days, these staff members will observe traffic operations and assist with communication of operational instructions to field personnel.
6. Project Management
   1. WTI will lead project management tasks, including development of project scope, communication with sponsors, and production of deliverables.
7. Stakeholder Meetings and Coordination with Local Agencies
   1. This task involves meetings with representatives from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), the City of Bozeman, the Bozeman Police Department, MSU Campus Police, MSU athletics, and MSU Administration to determine which traffic mitigation strategies to employ, roles and responsibilities, availability of equipment, and implementation/logistics. An additional meeting will be held after the football season to obtain feedback.
8. Documentation and Reports
   1. Researchers will prepare a final report to document the findings from the traffic data analysis and survey, as well as lessons learned from the traffic management planning process.
9. Maintenance
   1. This task will include performing any necessary maintenance and/or upgrades to the permanently mounted equipment or the mobile trailers.
10. Website Development
    1. Researchers will develop a website that allows users to view camera images and traffic counts. Authorized users such as MDT and the City of Bozeman will have access to additional information, such as speed data and road weather data.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Congestion management strategies, traffic data collection, traffic management centers

Partners

Research and Innovative Technologies Administration; Office of Research, Development and Technology (USDOT), Montana State University Police Department, Montana Department of Transportation, The City of Bozeman, Bozeman Police Department