OpenTMS Deployments Nominated for ITSA 2005 "Best Of" Awards (Return On Investment Category)

STAUNTON, VA -- At 325 miles long, Interstate 81 is the longest interstate in Virginia. It has 90 interchanges, traverses rolling topography, travels through 21 cities and towns, and 12 counties. With a daily traffic volume of more than 50,000 vehicles, approximately 30% truck traffic, I-81 is one of the top eight truck routes in the U.S.

Escalating traffic volumes, increased incident frequency, significant inclement weather events, and impending reconstruction of I-81 corridor provided ample evidence that it was imperative for VDOT to initiate their Smart Traffic Program within the Districts of the corridor. VDOT awarded the I-81 ITS Systems Integration Contract to the Open Roads Consulting Inc. team, comprised of Open Roads, URS, Kimley-Horn & Associates, and Trafficland.

A value added component of Open Road’s proposal provided for an early ATMS deployment by rapidly redeploying an existing OpenTMS implementation from the VDOT Richmond District to the I-81 Smart Traffic Centers in Staunton and Salem Districts. The OpenTMS ATMS consists of the following components:

• Real-time Geographical Information System (GIS) based Graphical User Interface
• Video-over-IP CCTV with full camera control
• Variable Message Signs (portable and fixed)
• Traffic Sensors
• Environmental Sensor Stations
• Incident Detection and Management
• Alert Manager
• Work Zone Management
• Event Scheduler

This rapid deployment strategy has provided an excellent return on investment for the I-81 corridor and one of low risk. Since becoming operational on November 21, 2004, the Staunton Smart Traffic Center has identified and managed hundreds of incidents along the corridor. As an example, during a recent two day period in January that included inclement weather, the Smart Traffic Center handled well over 80 incidents, including two major interstate closures. The timely notification provided to the public via 511 Virginia and variable message signs saved both valuable motorist time and potentially lives.