Problem: Increasing congestion on heavily traveled I-494.
Solution: Integrated Corridor Traffic Management [ICTM].
I. C. T. M.
Mn/DOT I-494 ICTM
Interstate Corridor Traffic Management Project
Problem: Increasing congestion on heavily traveled I-494.
Solution: Integrated Corridor Traffic Management [ICTM].
A synchronized approach to managing traffic that combines
advanced traffic control technology
and the teamwork of three cities, one county agency,
and the State of Minnesota.
Partners in Motion!
The ICTM Project
is a MN/DOT - FHWA Operational Test utilizing an
Intelligent Transportation System Initiative
along a 7.9 mile segment of I-494.
This corridor connects residential suburbs with the
major commercial areas, including the Mall of America
and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The I-494 Test Corridor
ICTM (by using advanced technology systems),
is designed to reduce congestion through a combination
of traffic management strategies developed
through interjurisdictional cooperation and agreement.
One of the major problems within the corridor
is the overuse of the freeway system.
Drivers frequently use I-494 for short trips,
they must be encouraged to use the city streets available to them.
This program involves construction of better parallel routes
both North and South of I-494 to encourage usage
for short trips, reducing freeway congestion.
The project uses a centralized computer system
(SCATS) which manages through adaptive control.
The centralized system coordinates ramp meter access
and signal timing on north/south and east/west feeders
to better allow for free flowing traffic on I-494.
Signal Controllers use real time
information from loop detectors, radar,
in field units, and video imaging technology to adjust signal timing.
Multiple agencies cooperatively manage the traffic flow onto I-494
and throughout the corridor.
SCATS synchronizes the timing of signalized intersections
and freeway entrance ramps.
This project also includes a "trailblazing" component
where variable message signs will alert travelers of
back-ups on the freeway before entering ramp queues
and suggesting alternate routes or entrance ramps.
Video Cameras along the corridor help detect incidents.
Radio and VMS traffic control signs alert drivers to problems
and provide alternate route information
The ICTM project is built upon
Mn/DOT's state of the art
Traffic Management Center [TMC].
The TMC provides the communication background and integration
of the freeways and arterial roadways for SCATS control.
Evaluation
Partners:
Participants in this study include various
State and Municipality government agencies,
the private sector, and academia.
Including:
Mn/DOT, FHWA, Hennepin County,
the City of Richfield, the City of Edina, and the City of Bloomington,
The Evaluation is currently halted until the
Fourth Module -Trailblazing Signs
are installed, probably not until Summer 1999.
* All Pictures and Paraphrased Text
from the Minnesota Guidestar ICTM Brouchure *
For More Information : Mn/DOT's ICTM Page
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/
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