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Practice

Work zone implementation of intelligent transportation systems

Illinois uses video detection equipment for incident detection in a work zone to allow messages to change on changeable message signs as conditions warrant. Illinois is using Autoscope (a product by Econolite) at trial sites in Illinois to try this application. There are two sites on IH 270: at Illinois-3 directly over the river and at Illinois-203 a couple of miles east; construction area is approx. 7 miles of a four-lane highway. During construction one lane is closed and one is reversible; two lanes remain open at all times. The crews use voice-grade phone only at IL3 and getting still pictures frequently refreshed; use wireless at IL203, which gives real-time video feedback.

Assessment:

Biggest problem was getting telephones and power set up. Also had a setback due to big lightning storm summer of 1997. Changing of messages is not as user-friendly as they would have desired.

State/Agency: Illinois
Time Frame: Installation Fall 1996; operations Aug. 1997; evaluation planned late summer 1998.
Where Documented: Article in St. Louis paper. Also local TV coverage.
Topics: Intelligent Transportation Systems

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