408 Toll in Orlando FL widened to 10 lanes for a stretch around CBD (REVISED)

November 22 and 23 Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA) opened 1.4km (0.86 miles) two extra lanes eastbound on the FL408 East-West Expressway over the Lake Underhill Bridge between Conway Rd to Crystal Lake Drive. This links two recently widened segments either side eliminating a "pinch point".

Advertisement:

read more

Non-taxable 1767 stone toll bridge for sale in England

Swinford Toll Bridge (STB), a beautiful functioning private toll bridge dating back to 1767 goes on sale at auction in London England December 6. A major London auction house Allsop is handling the sale. The bridge is located on the B4044, a 2-lane rural arterial just 8km (5 miles) to the west of the middle of Oxford, the famous university city.

read more

North Carolina Turnpike Authority select route for west Charlotte area tollroad

A route has been selected for a Gaston East-West Connector, a tollroad planned on the western edge of the greater Charlotte NC area. This is an important step toward completing environmental and planning clearances. The road is also known as Garden Parkway.

read more

Another push for US280Toll in Birmingham AL

There's another push in Birmingham AL to advance the long argued-over upgrade of a southeast radial US280 with toll lanes. State governor Bob Riley said this week he hopes a compromise plan by Alabama DOT will enable the project to move forward. He wants it open by by end-2013.

read more

Turnpike turkey transfixes New York/New Jersey

The media have been calling her Tammy the Turnpike Turkey. She made the Jersey City/Liberty Park Exit 14B toll plaza of the New Jersey Turnpike her home for months through noon today, defying several attempts over a couple of weeks by Turnpike staff and state wildlife people to move her out.

read more

Getting caught in the crossfire of a Maine civil war - TOLLROADSnews takes hits

Your editor was characterized by Maine Turnpike spokesman Dan Paradee a couple of days ago as "sort of off the wall." We were grateful for Dan's "sort of" qualification there, reflecting no doubt the fact that our professional relations over many years have been cordial and generally productive. He went on however about your editor: "He knows nothing about Maine, nothing about the Maine Turnpike."

read more

Ohio pike offering $35k 'golden handshake' to toll collectors but they say it's a VSIP

Local press are calling it a $35k golden handshake for toll collectors at the Ohio Turnpike. Turnpike executive director George Distel says it is strictly a "voluntary separation incentive plan" - which we say deserves an acronym: VSIP (vee-sip). Fulltime employees who volunteer to leave the Turnpike will get the $35k VSIP.

read more

TransCore get BATA toll system contract, Telvent to do Pocahontas Parkway

TransCore have the contract to modernize the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) toll systems for their seven toll bridges.

read more

Penn Pike employees get order to preserve documents for corruption investigations

Pennsylvania Turnpike employees have received an email ordering them to retain a wide range of documents because of multiple corruption investigations. The email called a Revised Mandatory Preservation Order gives an indication of the scope of the FBI and state's attorney's probes - a legal "roadmap."

The specific projects listed for document preservation:

read more

Two I-95 toll plaza upgrade efforts - York ME, Newark DE - compared

The tale of two I-95 toll plaza rebuilds make an interesting comparison. There are similarities and differences. Similarities are that in both states the Turnpike is the major east coast highway artery and the major link to adjoining states.

read more

Traffic cameras coming to Ballard

The Seattle Department of Transportation will nearly double the number of cameras providing real-time information to the city and the public by adding 57 traffic cameras this year.

Iteris, Inc. to Present at 2nd Annual LD Micro Conference in Los Angeles, CA

Iteris, Inc. , a leader in the traffic management market that focuses on the application and development of advanced technologies, today announced that Abbas Mohaddes, the Company's chief executive officer, will present at the LD Micro Financial Conference in Los Angeles, California.

Traffic Jammin'

PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Protect yourself from baggage loss

Worried about your bag being stolen in baggage claim? You've got plenty of company, especially since the news broke earlier this month about police arresting a suburban Phoenix couple on suspicion of stealing nearly 1,000 bags from carousels at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

How to protect your luggage

Worried about your bag being stolen in baggage claim? You've got plenty of company, especially since the news broke about police arresting a suburban Phoenix couple on suspicion of stealing nearly 1,000 bags from carousels at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Holiday spirit alive and well in the county

Helping those in need and giving are what the holidays are all about. And two recent events embodied that spirit perfectly.

Intelligent Transportation System Hits Roadblock

A program to keep a closer eye on Wichita's roads has been put on hold. The plan to put cameras along some major area roads is canceled, at least temporarily, after the state legislature detours the project.

ITS-NY is on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook

LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Intelligent Transportation Systems is the application of new technologies and innovations to existing transportation vehicles and infrastructure.

LA uses wireless traffic control to cut congestion

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works' decided to use wireless technology to control 1,000 traffic signals with the goal of reducing congestion and the exhaust emissions that go with it.

Measuring Up: New NIST Director, Plus Big Budget Put Measurement Science in Public Eye

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed Patrick Gallagher as the 14th director of its National Institute of Standards and Technology .

Austin to pilot car2go in North America

Telenor Connexion part of first Eco Navigator

Major expansion of Londons Oyster ticketing system

INIT wins ITCS Innovations Award 2009 for innovative incident management

Historic US/EU agreement on cooperative systems

Catalog of 2010 Practice-Ready Papers

TRB’s Technical Activities Division has released the TRB Annual Meeting catalog of 2010 practice-ready papers. Papers in the catalog have been identified as containing information that has potential for immediate application by practitioners in daily operations. Each entry in the catalog includes an abstract of the paper and contact information for the authors to facilitate interaction between the researchers and practitioners. The complete texts of most of the papers in the catalog will be on the Annual...

Marine Board 2009 Fall Meeting Presentations

The Marine Board held its 2009 Fall Meeting on November 16-17, 2009, in Washington, DC. Issues covered at the meeting included expanded commercial shipping activity in the Arctic, port resiliency, offshore energy installations, the economic significance of navigation, ship propulsion loss, hazardous cargoes on water, maritime incident reporting systems, the role of visual aids to navigation in an e-navigation environment, and the marine highway. Presentations from the meeting are available online .

Pavement Management 2009, Volume 1

TRB’s Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2093 includes 15 papers that explore the quality of automated pavement distress data collection, pavement maintenance prioritization, long-term pavement performance profile data for flexible pavements, user-oriented model for pavement funding decisions, integrating environmental perspectives into pavement management, and axle load spectra in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide. This issue of the TRR also e...

SHRP 2 Video Demonstration: Infrared Bar for Quality Control and Quality Assurance

TRB’s second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) has released a  video that shows a demonstration of an infrared bar being used for quality control and measurement of new hot-mix asphalt layers during paving operations. The demonstration was conducted as part of SHRP 2 Renewal Project R06C : Using Both Infrared and High-Speed Ground Penetrating Radar for Uniformity Measurement on New Hot-Mix Asphalt Layers. Project R06C is demonstrating these technologies to assess hot-mix asphalt density an...

Guidebook for Developing General Aviation Airport Business Plans

TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) has issued a request for proposals to develop a guidebook for general aviation airport managers and policy makers to help them create a business plan to assist their airport in maximizing its self-sufficiency. Proposals are due January 7, 2010.

Corpus Christi Mirrors Larger Cities with Data Backup

Texas city deploys data backup technology more common in large cities.

City to Photograph, Check Every Vehicle License Plate for Violations

If a crime occurs, then vehicle plates can be used to come up with suspects.

NGA Urges Passage of PASS ID, 36 States Unable to Meet REAL ID Deadlines

PASS ID offers a "practical solution" to REAL ID and "enjoys bipartisan support and the endorsement of the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security."

New York City to Install Radar for Coordinated Traffic Control

For some 200 intersections in four different boroughs as part of a NYC Transportation Department traffic coordination program.

Power Management Solution Reduces Police Car Dead Batteries, Emissions

The Dallas Police Department piloted anti-idling technology that operates a car's electrical system while it's turned off. Laptops, lights, radios and other equipment are powered.

Dallas Cowboys Stadium Avoids Traffic Snarls With Camera System

Traffic management video system in Arlington, Texas, keeps traffic smooth near sprawling Cowboys Stadium.

South Africa's Infrastructure Lesson (Opinion)

South Africa's preparation for the 2010 World Cup provides valuable lessons for IT leaders.

Obama Administration to Propose Federal Takeover of Light-Rail, Subway Safety

State control "haphazard and ineffective," following recent "collisions, derailments and worker fatalities."

Rhode Island Governor Vetoes RFID Privacy Bill

Restricted use of RFID capabilities to track children and motorists without a warrant.

10,000 ARRA Transportation Projects Funded

This winter, DOT will announce $8 billion in grants to launch high-speed rail in America.

Summit teaches going green to save green

Jack Roush, chairman of Roush Enterprises and CEO/co-owner of NASCAR team Roush Fenway Racing, will be one of the keynote speakers at the Green Truck Summit 2010, March 9-10, 2010, the National Truck Equipment Association and CALSTART announced today.

Feds Want to End 10-Codes In Favor of Plain Language

If federal Homeland Security officials have their way, the next time a police officer arrives on scene, he'll simply radio back "I'm here" rather than saying "10-97." Police have long used "10-codes" to communicate with each other and dispatchers.

Avid Moves Closer to Boston

Avid Technology is moving its headquarters about 10 miles closer to Boston. According to The Boston Globe , the video editing, storage and media management developer has signed a lease for three buildings in Burlington, Mass., northwest of Boston.

Oconto County Settles Union Contracts For 2009 And 2010

Nomination papers for the spring election may be circulated starting Tuesday, Dec.

Woman charged with armed robbery

A 27-YEAR-OLD woman has been arrested following a series of armed robberies in Melbourne's western suburbs.

ADVANCING ROAD WEATHER MANAGEMENT USING CLARUS DATA - Workshop and Webinar Announcements

The FHWA Road Weather Management Program, in partnership with TRB and ITS America, will be sponsoring a Workshop on Advancing Road Weather Management Using Clarus Data on Sunday, January 10, 2010 during the TRB Annual Meeting in Washington DC.
The FHWA Road Weather Management Program will hold a web conference on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 from 1-2:30 pm to provide information about Clarus, the anticipated research grants, and the 2010 TRB workshop.
For more information see the related ITS Midwest News Release...

Smart Traffic Lights To Aid Fuel Efficiency

While hybrid vehicles can increase fuel efficiency, they're only part of the solution. A new study by BMW shows dramatic improvements in fuel economy using smart signals with a minimum of 4 signals in sequence...

Volunteer Paper Reviewers Sought

ITS America is seeking for volunteer paper reviewers for the 17th World Congress on ITS and ITS America's 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition
For more information see the related ITS Midwest News Release...

Extended: Paper submittal deadline for 20th ITSA Annual Meeting & Exhibition

ITS America is accepting submissions for papers for its 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition, "Connecting Communities through Smart Transportation Solutions." Papers should be submitted online by Dec. 15.
For more information see the related ITS Midwest News Release...

EVENTS: List of Upcoming Webinars Updated

The list of upcoming Webinars has been updated.
1) T3 webinar: "Using Wireless Technologies in Transit Applications to Expand Mobility" (Jan. 27, 2010);
2) Talking Operations: "Implementing Active Traffic Management (ATM) on the I-35W MnPASS Express Lanes" (Dec. 2, 2009);
3) The 2010 schedule of the "Fiber Optics for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)" course (presented by The Light Brigade) is now also available.
Check the ITS Midwest Events page for details...

EVENTS: List of Upcoming Conferences Updated

The list of upcoming Conferences has been updated.
In 2011, the U.S. will host the World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems from October 16-20 in Orlando, Florida. In order to facilitate planning efforts, the Technology Demonstration Committee invites interested organizations to submit a pre-application to participate in the World Congress technology demonstrations.
There is also new information available about the upcoming "Talking Freight" seminars: registration is now open for "Security and System Resiliency" planned for Nov. 18, 2009 and "Freight Fee Structures" planned for Dec. 16, 2009. Additional information about these webinars is also available.
Check the ITS Midwest Events for details...

Intelligent Transportation Society of America releases 2008-2009 annual report

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America has released its 2008-2009 annual report. The report summarizes the work, initiatives, and accomplishments for the organization from Jan. 2008 through June 2009 and discloses the financial health of the association.
For more information see the related ITS Midwest News Release...

ITS America announces call for papers for 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) is accepting submissions for papers for its 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition, "Connecting Communities through Smart Transportation Solutions." The three-day event will be held from May 3-5, 2010 in Houston, TX.
For more information see the related ITS Midwest News Release...

EVENTS: List of Events and Webinar Updated

The list of Events and upcoming Webinars has been updated.
In 2011, the U.S. will host the World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems from October 16-20 in Orlando, Florida. In order to facilitate planning efforts, the Technology Demonstration Committee invites interested organizations to submit a pre-application to participate in the World Congress technology demonstrations.
There is also new information available about the upcoming "Talking Freight" seminars: registration is now open for "Security and System Resiliency" planned for Nov. 18, 2009 and "Freight Fee Structures" planned for Dec. 16, 2009. Additional information about these webinars is also available.
Check the ITS Midwest Events for details...

"Expanded Regional Gateway Traveler Information System" is ITS Project of the Year 2009

As every year one or more ITS projects are chosen to receive the ITS Midwest Project of the Year Award.
The Project of the Year Award is based on merit and significance of the project to the ITS Community. This year the award went to the "Expanded Regional Gateway Traveler Information System" by Illinois DOT/UIC.
For more information see the related ITS Midwest News Release...

Dayton’s Greyhound Debuts at RTA’s Northwest Transit Center

October 27 was a typical day at Greater Dayton RTA’s Northwest Transit Center except for 17 extra buses arriving and departing. Greyhound Lines Inc. of Dayton, Ohio, rolled its big, grey buses into the center as the company’s official new area depot for the first time after relocating from downtown.

Top News: SFMTA and Partners Launch Holiday Season Promotion

“Home for the Holidays” offers great deals on SF hotels, shopping, entertainment and more, starting November 24.

Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority Purchases New NABI Buses

The agency recently purchased new compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses from North American Bus Industries.

DART Makes 2009 Global List

Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) light rail expansion is being recognized as one of the Top 100 Global Infrastructure Projects, compiled by the Washington, D.C. consulting firm CG/LA Infrastructure LLC.

GIRO's HASTUS software successfully optimizing bus operations at Qbuzz after fast-track installation

GIRO Inc. is pleased to announce the successful deployment of its HASTUS software following an expeditious implementation of the solution at Netherlands-based Qbuzz.

Introduction of the New GREENThing Handheld 5 Gas Fuel Efficiency Analyzer

GREENThing is a True 5 Gas Analyzer measuring DIESEL/CNG/ Propane/Gasoline for NOx, HC, CO, CO2, O2.

U.S. High Speed Rail Association Appoints New President

Transportation veteran, Eric C. Peterson, to lead association’s efforts to advance a national high speed rail system in America.

CSX Transportation Brings Cleaner Air to Indiana

Introduces the first ultra-low emission locomotives to be permanently operated in the state.

More Top News

MassTransitMag.com: Industry Announcements

TIM Network Survey

The NTIMC has initiated an effort to create the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Network. The TIM Network will serve as a connection between the NTIMC and practitioners, trainers, and researchers. To begin the process of building a national resource on TIM, the NTIMC is conducting a web-based survey. Follow the link below to complete the survey.

New and Improved FHWA Freight Web Site

The FHWA Office of Freight Management and Operations (HOFM) Web site has been updated to meet users' needs and make information easier to find. The site is now organized around key freight topic areas. The left navigation bar has been updated accordingly, making use of topic headings and related sub-links. The content on the topical pages continues to provide information that is accurate, timely, and important to those interested in freight transportation. Visit the new and improved FHWA Freight Web site through the link below.

Coordinating, Planning and Managing the Effects of Roadway Construction with ITS Technology—Resources Available

As state transportation agencies continue to utilize funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, there are opportunities to deploy intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to improve operations. While rehabilitating roadway surfaces and building new capacity, it is important to coordinate workzone planning and operations to avoid undue burdens on the traveling public and ensure safe and efficient traffic flow through individual workzones. With funding support from U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration's Office of Operations and U.S. DOT Research Innovative Technology Administration's ITS Professional Capacity Building Program, a Web briefing recording, useful resources and case studies have been compiled for your use and reference. The information is located through the link below.

RFP Announced for Michigan IntelliDrive Test Bed Operation and Maintenance

FHWA announces a request for proposals (RFP) for the Michigan IntelliDriveSM Test Bed Operation and Maintenance. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held in Livonia, Michigan on November 19 and 20, 2009, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center. On Thursday, November 19, 2009, there will be a half-day conference and a half-day guided tour of the Michigan IntelliDrive Test Bed facilities. On Friday, November 20, 2009, there will be optional detailed tours of additional Test Bed equipment or facilities. The full solicitation announcement may be found on the FedBizOpps Web site at: http://www.fbo.gov under the solicitation number DTFH61-09-R-00029.

U.S. DOT and FCC Join Forces to Combat Distracted Driving

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski announced that they are launching a joint effort to evaluate technologies that may help curb the dangerous epidemic of distracted driving. The DOT-FCC partnership will also include outreach efforts to educate the public about the dangers of texting while driving, talking on cell phones while driving and other distracting behavior that can lead to deadly accidents. 'We must put an end to distracted driving, which is costing lives and inflicting injuries across the nation's roads and railways," Secretary LaHood told the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. "I look forward to working with Chairman Genachowski and ensuring that FCC's and DOT's technology experts can join forces on this critical issue.' Officials from the DOT and FCC will establish a working group to evaluate technology-based solutions to the problem of distracted driving and will coordinate consumer outreach and education.

IntelliDriveSM Working Group Meeting 10/29-10/30

The next IntelliDriveSM Working Group Meeting will take place October 29-30, in the Detroit metropolitan area. The purpose of this meeting is for the major partners and stakeholders to present future plans and focus areas of the program and to discuss stakeholder involvement in all focus areas. On the first day, each of the major partners (the states, auto industry, and U.S. DOT) will discuss their upcoming plans, projects, and focus areas. Day one will end with a facilitated discussion of the Working Group structure and stakeholder involvement to accommodate new focus areas including environmental applications, mobility applications based on various communications systems, and inclusion of aftermarket devices and applications. Day two will include breakout sessions on specific focus areas for the program, including safety, mobility, and environment. The Working Group meeting will be open to members as well as other interested participants. Registration for this event is free. However, a registration form must be completed by October 23 and sent to Brei Whitty at bwhitty@itsa.org in order to attend. *IntelliDrive is a registered service mark of the US Department of Transportation. IntelliDrive was formerly known as the Vehicle-Infrastructure Integration (VII) program. More information about the program is available at http://www.intellidrive.org.

ITE Webinar on Roadway Construction and ITS Technology

TITLE: COORDINATING, PLANNING AND MANAGING THE EFFECTS OF ROADWAY CONSTRUCTION WITH ITS TECHNOLOGY DATE: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 TIME: 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. Eastern SITE FEE: $15 Per Site (ITE Member/Non-member/Full-time Student) CREDIT: 2 PDH BACKGROUND: As state transportation agencies continue to utilize funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, there are opportunities to deploy intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to improve operations. While rehabilitating roadway surfaces and building new capacity, it is important to coordinate workzone planning and operations to avoid undue burdens on the traveling public and ensure safe and efficient traffic flow through individual workzones. The Web briefing will focus on ITS applications as a component of a larger workzone transportation management plan (TMP) used to facilitate the coordination of multiple Workzone projects as well as the planning, design and operation of individual workzones. It will highlight cost-effective technology applications available to state and local DOTS that can be rapidly deployed to improve workzone safety and mobility. Examples from Minnesota, Virginia, Delaware, Washington, DC and other states will be provided, as well as useful links to additional research and case studies. This Web briefing is sponsored by the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration's Office of Operations and U.S. DOT Research Innovative Technology Administration's ITS Professional Capacity Building Program.

On a Crash Course: The Dangers and Health Costs of Deficient Roadways

A new study finds that crashes involving deficient road conditions cost $217 billion in 2006. The costs of these crashes exceed the costs of crashes involving impaired driving, speeding, or not buckling up. Deficient road conditions cause ten crashes a minute or worsen their outcomes. They contribute to more than half of all roadway deaths. Large trees, unyielding poles, and bridges are the largest culprits. The report also provides cost estimates by state.

ITS Research Strategic Plan Update #2

This is to update you on our strategic planning work. Your input was provided to the USDOT multi-modal teams who revised their research proposals based on input from you and from USDOT modal administration management. The research proposals totaled more funding than is available, assuming a continuing resolution and reauthorization at current levels. The updated proposals were reviewed by an evaluation committee of ITS Joint Program Office and modal administration staff. This committee was tasked with evaluating each of the research proposals and crafting them into a focused ITS research program designed to achieve a specific goal.

Talking Operations Web Conference: SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project Annual Performance Summary

The next Talking Operations web conference will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 from 3:00 – 4:30 PM (Eastern) on the SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project in Washington State. The first year of operation on the SR 167 HOT Lanes in Washington State demonstrated that variable tolling can make better use of carpool lanes and improve traffic flow in the corridor without affecting service for carpools and buses. Traffic conditions on SR 167 in both the general purpose and HOT lanes have improved. This presentation by Craig Stone, Director of the Washington State Department of Transportation's Tolling Division, will provide a detailed review of the first year's operation and performance.