Traffic Detector Handbook

Managing traffic requires being able to detect a variety of vehicles characteristics in different circumstances, for different purposes: traffic flows, volumes, speeds and vehicle types for planning and design; detecting incidents for emergency response; flows on ramps for metering; vehicle volumes approaching intersections for signal timing and control; and traffic conditions for traveller information are some examples.

The updated third edition of the FHWA Traffic Detector Handbook published in 2006 a two-volume, comprehensive reference on sensors for traffic management on surface streets, arterials, and freeways. The Handbook provides a comprehensive reference document to aid the practicing traffic engineer or technician in selecting, designing, installing and maintaining traffic sensors for signalised intersections and freeways.

Topics covered include sensor technology, sensor applications, in-roadway sensor design, sensor installation techniques and sensor maintenance.

The sensor technology chapter discusses the operation and uses of inductive loop detectors, magnetic sensors and detectors, video image processors, microwave radar sensors, laser radars, passive infrared and passive acoustic array sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, plus combinations of sensor technologies. One of the more recent types is the wireless magnetometer, a reliable accurate device, which can be quickly and cheaply installed in the roadway.

Sensor application topics include safety, operation, multimodal issues, and physical and economic factors that affect installation and performance.

The appendixes include a variety of research, background papers, and implementation guidance. The information contained in the Handbook is based on the latest research on available treatments and best practices in use by jurisdictions across the United States and elsewhere. References are provided for the student, practitioner, researcher, or decisionmaker who wishes to learn more about a particular subject.

The third edition is published in two volumes: the online version (and PDF download of the Handbook) http://www.tfhrc.gov/its/pubs/06108/
Also see the Vehicle Detector Clearinghouse http://www.nmsu.edu/~traffic/

Performance Measures Web Training

The I-95 Corridor Coalition offers several free web-based courses, including one on Performance Measures.

The course provides an overview of performance measuring for transportation systems and addresses the following questions:

• what is a performance measure?
• why measure performance?
• how are performance measures developed?
• how can performance measures be disseminated?
• what is the current state of the practice?

These concepts are explored through looking at two types of measures: mobility and safety.

To access the course http://www.i95coalition.org/PerformanceMeasuresCourse

I-95 Corridor Coalition TMC Simulation

The I-95 Corridor Coalition is an alliance of transportation agencies, toll authorities, and related organizations, from the State of Maine in the northeast right down the US to the State of Florida in the south.

The I-95 Corridor Coalition offers several free web-based courses. In the TMC Simulation Program, you act as a TMC operator.

Due to the variety of technologies used in different Traffic Management Centers, there are two different simulation areas. The operator in the High-Tech TMC uses a Traffic Monitoring System to manage resources like a computer automated dispatch System, CCTV, pager system, dynamic or variable message signs, pavement weather sensors, traffic detectors, etc.

The operator in the Basic TMC uses telephones, computers, fax machines, and log books or log files to manage resources.

In addition to the two types of simulations, there are two modes of operation within each area: a Directed Practice Exercise and a Simulation Exercise. In Directed Practice mode, operators are provided with guidance on events and their responses to those events as they proceed through the exercise.

Once the operators enter the Simulation Exercise, they receive no feedback until the very end of the exercise. It is recommended that operators complete the Directed Practice Exercise for each scenario before moving on to the Simulation Exercise.

Upon completing the Directed Practice and Simulation Exercises, operators are able to determine and apply the best procedures necessary to successfully manage a severe incident with a multi-state impact.

The TMC Simulation program was creaded in Adobe Macromedia Director.

http://www.i95coalition.org/traffic-management-simulation.html