Urban Traffic Control

By 2024, market penetration of factory fit DSRC-equipped vehicles in the US could rise to 30 per cent, according to US Department of Transportation AASHTO Deployment Analysis 2012, enabling widespread data communications services and kick-starting a national DSRC infrastructure. The question is: who will pay for the infrastructure in the first place? In an interview with Steve Bayless, director of telecomms and telematics at ITS America, Telematics Update investigated which key investors will benefit from s

With more roadway construction underway than ever in the state, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is introducing its first highway safety feature that incorporates a queue warning system and temporary rumble strips to reduce work-zone collisions. Making its debut along a central Texas stretch of I-35, the system uses sensors to measure the speeds of approaching vehicles and then warns drivers through portable, electronic signs about upcoming traffic backups due to night lane closures in work zo

Econolite’s intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are to be implemented in China’s Smart Cities urbanisation project to enhance roadway efficiencies and safety. The Smart Cities urbanisation project is part of the country’s recently announced infrastructure-based stimulus package estimated at US$6.4 trillion, ten times larger than China’s 2008 stimulus package. The company’s ITS solutions will first address the growing traffic congestion in the Panyu District of Guangzhou, where Econolite and regional pa

In a bid to minimise accidents on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway in India, the Noida Authority is to issue a tender for an intelligent transportation system (ITS), including a control room, emergency call boxes, message signs, CCTV, speed cameras, VIDS cameras and a meteorological data system. According to officials, completion is projected within six months of the tenders being finalised and the project launched. Once in place, the system will reduce travel times and improve traffic safety and surveill

Until they can raise the US$1 billion it would take to expand congestion-plagued Oregon 217, state traffic planners say they'll focus on making it a smarter highway. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) engineers believe that a US$6.5 million artificial traffic intelligence project planned for the 217 corridor will permanently alter the Portland metro area's daily commuting culture. The interconnected system will rely on new underground sensors and advanced computer algorithms. The federal government

An innovative cycle safety device designed to alert truck drivers to the presence of a cyclist is about to be launched. The Cycle Alert system not only alerts drivers to a potential risk in areas frequented by cyclists, it also facilitates a direct warning from a cyclist straight to the vehicle driver. The system has three elements: a unit that is fitted to the bicycle, or worn by a cyclist on their person or helmet, sensors that are fitted to the HGV and a cab-mounted device to alert the driver. The three

Japan’s Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is to carry out public-road tests of its driving support system that uses ITS1 technology to transmit information from traffic lights to vehicles. For the tests, one road in Toyota City will be equipped with a system to transmit traffic light signal information via the 700-Mhz band to vehicles equipped with on-board testing systems. The system receives the information and alerts drivers via the audio system and the navigation system screen.

Roundabouts similar to those used in the Netherlands, which separate cyclists from cars and give them priority, could be used in London as early as next year, subject to government approval, according to Transport for London (TfL). TfL has begun a major cycle safety research project to trial new and innovative junction layouts and traffic technology that, if successful, could be introduced in London and potentially more widely across the UK. The trials, which are being carried out for TfL by the Transport R

The Smart Transport Applications Designed for large events with Impacts on Urban Mobility (Stadium) project aims to improve the performance of transport services and systems made available for large events hosted by big cities. The newly developed Stadium ITS online guide aids users to identify the most suitable and sustainable technologies. The guide includes an interactive intelligent transportation system (ITS) decision support tool, featuring more than thirty ITS applications, allowing cities to choose

Roundabouts similar to those used in the Netherlands, which separate cyclists from cars and give them priority, could be used in London as early as next year, according to Andrew Gilligan, the city's cycling commissioner. The layout means cyclists are in the clear line of sight of drivers when vehicles exit the roundabout. The trial forms part of the mayor of London's Vision for Cycling. Over 600 people have been involved so far and the effects on safety and capacity will be studied as well as the impact o