Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments

Intelligent Transportation Systems

NEW Toledo Area Freeway Management System: ODOT is planning an ITS system for the expressways in the Toledo metro area. Plans were developed in FY 2008. A consultant was selected for detailed design work, which will take approximately 18 months (July 2009-approx. December 2010). The $15 million system should be constructed in 2011-2012. It will include video cameras, dynamic message signs (DMS), and additional highway advisory radio sites (HAR). The video images will be displayed at an ODOT control center. See the map below for details.

Public Stakeholder Meeting: Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 1:30 p.m. at TMACOG. Briefing of local municipalities, counties, and emergency responders for areas adjoining the system (expressways in Lucas County, northern Wood County, and southern Monroe County -- I-75, I-475/US 23, I-280, SR 795, US 24). For information: Diane Reamer-Evans, TMACOG, 419-241-9155 ext. 117, evans@tmacog.org. (Presentation by George Saylor, ODOT - Note: On the "Public HAR Message View" slide, click on speaker icon to hear sample Highway Advisory Radio broadcast)

Previously, an advisory committee of area stakeholders met in March 2008 to be briefed on the concept of operations for the system . ( March 5 advisory committee meeting minutes )

Online Traffic Information: Buckeye Traffic: ODOT maintains a web site with up-to-date road condition and traffic information. You can select which traffic condition icons to display on the map. Note that if you place your cursor on a traffic condition icon, a small information box appears. Single left click on the box to see more detailed information.

The Dayton area roads are color coded for traffic flow speed. Once the Toledo area freeway management system is in place – with traffic flow detectors – Buckeye Traffic will be able to display traffic speed information for the TMACOG region too.

TMACOG Regional ITS Architecture | (click to open)
The Toledo Metropolitan Area Regional ITS Architecture is a roadmap for the integration of transportation systems in the TMACOG region. The architecture covers a fifteen-year timeframe (2004–2019) and identifies all existing and planned information sharing (primarily electronic information sharing) related to surface transportation. The architecture represents a shared vision of how each agency’s systems will work together, sharing information and resources to provide a safer, more efficient, and more effective transportation system for travelers.

NOTE: TMACOG is conducting an update of the ITS Architecture during 2009-2010. Stakeholders responsible for ITS-related systems (see examples below) are asked to provide status information. Watch this site for more details. Questions: Diane Reamer-Evans, 419-241-9155 ext. 117, evans@tmacog.org .

The architecture provides an overarching framework that shows how information will flow between local and state governments, public transit, emergency responders, media, the general public, and others. It includes many communication links, both existing and potential future ones. A few examples are:

  • Traffic control signals and systems that "talk" to each other for better timing or to respond to changes in traffic conditions

  • Traffic control signals that "talk" to the signal department, providing automatic equipment status and incident information

  • Freeway and roadway monitoring systems that spot slowdowns and crashes, then alert the public, the media, and incident responders

  • Communication links between public transit and the public (example, signs that give real-time bus arrival information)

  • Links between public transit or school transportation systems and roadway/traffic signal maintenance departments (providing roadway condition updates)

  • Traffic signal preemption systems, for example, extending green lights for emergency or transit vehicles

  • Communication links between traffic agencies and major public event organizers -
    allowing appropriate traffic controls to be put in place

These are just a few of the many potential communications flows. For more details, click on the above link to the TMACOG regional architecture web page. For any questions, contact TMACOG staff.

Using the architecture, each transportation project can be viewed as an element of the overall transportation system. The architecture shows the relationship between individual transportation projects and ways to cost-effectively build an integrated transportation system over time.

TMACOG Regional Architecture Change Form: | Click for a printable form | Click here to complete the form on-line
if you are planning to make changes involving an ITS-related project or system, the regional architecture may need to be updated. Please complete this form or contact TMACOG for more information. If you have questions or comments, please contact Lisa Householder, householder@tmacog.org, 419-241-9155 ext. 124 or Diane Reamer-Evans.

More ITS resources:

  • TMACOG has on file a regional ITS plan identifying priorities in our area (full report and popular summary brochure) and a regional architecture report. Please contact Diane Reamer-Evans at 419-241-9155 ext. 117, or evans@tmacog.org for more information .

  • For more information about ITS architectures, navigate to the National ITS Architecture Version 6.1 website (www.iteris.com/itsarch).


           

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