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February 21, 2013
Compass first newsletter available
The synergy between two European transportation projects, the optimised CO-Modal PASSenger transport for reducing carbon emissions (Compass) and Optimising Passenger Transport Information to Materialise Insights for Sustainable Mobility (Optimism) has prompted the release of a joint newsletter to report their activities and findings. Both projects share common objectives. Through the scientific analysis of social behaviour, mobility patterns and business models they propose a set of strategies, recommendat
February 21, 2013
Pedestrians and cyclists on major roads – new study from Sweden’s VTI
A new study from the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) aims to review pedestrian and cyclist solutions on major roads, with or without a central barrier, where the permitted speed limit is between 70 and 90km/h. Reconstructing an existing road with a central barrier is primarily considered as a road safety measure which reduces the risk of head on collisions. A negative effect of this type of design is that conditions for cyclists and pedestrians become difficult, especially when
February 21, 2013
Worcester transport project given go-ahead
A $US30 million plan to improve transport links in the UK town of Worcester has been given the go-ahead by local transport minister Norman Baker. The government is backing it with US22 million of funding. The project will improve access to rail travel, upgrade traffic signals and make it easier to walk and cycle in the area. Intelligent transport systems which provide better information to bus passengers and road users will also be installed and a smarter choice scheme will encourage transport users to look
February 18, 2013
Hearing highlights economic importance of transportation system
The US Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s first hearing of the 113th Congress focused on the importance of infrastructure to the US economy and examined the role played by the Federal Government in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable infrastructure. Chairman Bill Shuster highlighted how the quality of the nation’s infrastructure affects the lives of Americans in many ways on a daily basis, and how the Federal role in ensuring a strong transportation network is firmly rooted in the first day
February 15, 2013
Newcastle rush-hour traffic trials get the go-ahead
Traffic trials aimed at streamlining the rush-hour commute in the UK’s north-east have been given the green light. The project in Newcastle involves new satellite navigation technology which helps drivers adjust their speed so they can pass through a series of lights on green. The European project is being led by Newcastle University and Newcastle City Council, and aims to reduce city centre congestion and pollution associated with stop-start driving. Phil Blythe, Professor of Intelligent Transport Systems
February 15, 2013
TransCore to design and build I-66 active traffic management system
One of the most congested interstates in Virginia, US, is to get an Active Traffic Management (ATM) system. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has selected TransCore, a division of Roper Industries, to design and build its I-66 ATM system on northern Virginia’s main highway into the District of Columbia. The US$34 million contract is 90 percent federally funded and will support thirty-four miles of highway from the District of Columbia to Gainesville US-29 in Prince William County. The projec
February 14, 2013
USDOT makes US$7 million available for multi-state projects
The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) is making funds available to existing and potential multi-state organisations and other agencies engaged in corridor transportation activities for participation in the Multi-state Corridor Operations and Management (MCOM) Program authorised by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The purpose of the investment is to promote regional cooperation, planning, and shared project implementation for program
February 13, 2013
GPS delivers Rhode Island’s real-time travel information
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is to expand its real-time travel information to include route 114, enabling motorists travelling on route 114 north in East Providence to view travel time estimates to I-95 and T F Green airport via the Department's existing electronic message board on route 114 north. Travel times are currently displayed each weekday on fixed overhead and portable roadside electronic message signs on I-95, I-195, and route 146, and complement other RIDOT travel plannin
February 12, 2013
M62 managed motorway scheme signs switched on
Work to upgrade part of the M62 in West Yorkshire to a managed motorway, the first scheme in the Yorkshire and Humber region, reached a significant milestone when the first overhead electronic signs went live. For the first time, the variable advisory speed limit signs have come into operation between junctions 27 and 28 to allow the UK Highways Agency to calibrate and test the technology required for the new managed motorway, with the signs being switched on and off in response to traffic conditions. Advis
February 11, 2013
Visionstream secures Australian motorways project
Visionstream Australia (Visionstream) is to deliver the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and communications infrastructure for the Westgate Freeway Managed Motorway Project under the National Smart Managed Motorways Program. The US$21.5 million contract includes design and construction of the ITS system and an operations and maintenance component for two years. Under the contract, Visionstream will be undertaking the design, supply, installation and integration of ITS devices including lane use signs, va