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Have you noticed the large, electronic message boards flashing dates for upcoming road construction and closings? What about the closed-circuit cameras dotting the region's
highways? These components are part of an emerging, multi-million dollar transportation management system called Gateway Guide. Coordinated by the Missouri Department of
Transportation, Gateway Guide is designed to alleviate metro-wide congestion and enhance the safety of the region's roads. It is the product of an on-going partnership between MoDOT,
Illinois Department of Transportation, Bi-State Development Agency, and East-West Gateway Coordinating Council.
An intelligent transportation system (ITS) uses state of the art technology to improve travel on a region's major roadways. Behind ITS is the
surprisingly simple idea to provide drivers with accurate, timely information so they make better transportation decisions that improve traffic flow, and to assist motorists and emergency
response crews in the event of a traffic incident.
Traffic Flow Management
Transportation planners seek safe and steady movement through a region's transportation system, especially during peak travel times. With ITS,
traffic managers provide timely information to motorists to aid intelligent travel choices. Information is provided in various ways, including electronic message boards and highway
advisory radio for information en-route, and web sites and telephone hotlines for information prior to travel. Also, tools such as ramp meters and automatic tolls help regulate traffic
flow. Following are a few examples of how ITS supports safe and steady traffic flow:
- A ride-share group receives an e-mail alert about construction or lane closures along their regular commute, providing time to plan an alternate route, travel at
a different hour, or choose a different mode of transportation.
- Motorists are warned of an incident, special event, or anticipate congestion through roadside message boards, allowing them to take an alternate route.
- Ramp meters are installed on ramps entering major travel routes to regulate the volume of automobiles that attempt to enter a roadway, thus helping to prevent
bottlenecks.
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Components of ITS
Traffic sensors
Closed circuit cameras
Message boards
Ramp meters
Automatic toll/fare collection
Motorist assist call box/patrol
Automatic vehicle location
Integrated traffic signals
Telephone hotline
E-mail alerts
Website
Media reports
Highway advisory radio
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Incident Management
Traffic managers must identify and respond to traffic accidents or stalled vehicles in timely fashion. They must ensure access for emergency
vehicles to provide rapid assistance, and also remove any obstructions to traffic flow as quickly as possible. Following are a few examples of how ITS supports incident management:
- Closed circuit cameras allow traffic managers to identify incidents and dispatch necessary assistance.
- Motorist assist call boxes, installed at regular roadside intervals, allow motorists to call for help.
- Motorist assist patrols provide rapid assistance to disabled vehicles
Automatic vehicle locators on patrol cars allow managers to dispatch the nearest assistance vehicle.
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