Lesson
Identify functional boundaries and needs for cross jurisdictional control required to implement adaptive signal control and transit signal priority systems.
Smart Corridor experience in Atlanta, Georgia
30 June 2010
Atlanta; Georgia; United States
Background (Show)
Lesson Learned
The following lessons were identified during the design and implementation process.
Identify functional boundaries and needs for cross jurisdictional control required to implement SCATS and TSP. During the planning phase each jurisdiction must agree on the control scheme and identify needs for cross-jurisdictional control at interconnected intersections.
Ensure that adequate infrastructure exists to support communications between the project intersections and the respective traffic control centers. It is important that each jurisdiction has field personnel involved who have a good understanding of the communications required to ensure the system is functional once complete. During the Atlanta Smart Corridor project, it was found that SCATS could use the existing fiber optic media installed for signal control, however, SCATS would need to operate on a separate channel. Depending on the type of existing signal systems, implementation of SCATS may require additional splicing and installation of dedicated fiber. SCATS and ACTRA signal systems, for example, cannot run on the same fiber.
Ensure control cabinets will be large enough to accommodate SCATS detection equipment. Type 336 cabinets do not have enough space for SCATS detector equipment and NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) cabinets cannot support the level of detection needed. Type 332 cabinets are best for intersections that require SCATS.
Identify back-up personnel for key project responsibilities. Multi-year projects should expect iterative staff changes as a course of business. A secondary representative should be identified for each key project position. Back-up personnel should be aware of the roles and responsibilities, and oversight needed to prevent certain aspects of the project from being overlooked or assumed completed by others.
The project evaluation report indicated that SCATS was successfully implemented and TSP was an effective low-cost improvement to bus operations. Evaluation results indicated the system improved mobility, reduced delay, and resulted in significant productively benefits for corridor travelers.
Identify functional boundaries and needs for cross jurisdictional control required to implement SCATS and TSP. During the planning phase each jurisdiction must agree on the control scheme and identify needs for cross-jurisdictional control at interconnected intersections.
Ensure that adequate infrastructure exists to support communications between the project intersections and the respective traffic control centers. It is important that each jurisdiction has field personnel involved who have a good understanding of the communications required to ensure the system is functional once complete. During the Atlanta Smart Corridor project, it was found that SCATS could use the existing fiber optic media installed for signal control, however, SCATS would need to operate on a separate channel. Depending on the type of existing signal systems, implementation of SCATS may require additional splicing and installation of dedicated fiber. SCATS and ACTRA signal systems, for example, cannot run on the same fiber.
Ensure control cabinets will be large enough to accommodate SCATS detection equipment. Type 336 cabinets do not have enough space for SCATS detector equipment and NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) cabinets cannot support the level of detection needed. Type 332 cabinets are best for intersections that require SCATS.
Identify back-up personnel for key project responsibilities. Multi-year projects should expect iterative staff changes as a course of business. A secondary representative should be identified for each key project position. Back-up personnel should be aware of the roles and responsibilities, and oversight needed to prevent certain aspects of the project from being overlooked or assumed completed by others.
The project evaluation report indicated that SCATS was successfully implemented and TSP was an effective low-cost improvement to bus operations. Evaluation results indicated the system improved mobility, reduced delay, and resulted in significant productively benefits for corridor travelers.
States
Countries
Focus Areas
Major Initiatives > Mobility Services for All Americans
Major Initiatives > Mobility Services for All Americans
Major Initiatives > Integrated Corridor Management Systems
Major Initiatives > Integrated Corridor Management Systems
Major Initiatives > Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII)
Major Initiatives > Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII)
Other Program Activities > Rural ITS Deployment
Goal Areas
Keywords
traffic signals, adaptive signals, bus priority, TSP
Lesson ID: 2011-00596
Lesson Comments
No comments posted to date