Intelligent Transportation Systems
Intelligent transportation systems are technologies designed to keep Oregon’s road system operating efficiently. Several systems working together at strategic intervals can create system-wide improvements in efficiency and reliability, which in turn reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Intelligent transportation system technologies fall into two areas.
One is technology that can react — either autonomously or guided by humans — to current road, weather or traffic conditions. Some examples:
Variable speed limit signs that change speeds based on weather and road conditions.
“Smart” traffic signals at intersections that give signal priority to buses.
Interstate ramp metering signals that help control the flow of traffic onto interstates.
The other area is technology that helps convey trip information to all road users. The technology helps travelers make informed decisions before their trip, or while they’re on the road. Some examples:
Large electronic message signs that can warn drivers of congestion or crashes.
Oregon’s travel information site Tripcheck.com, which shows real-time traffic and road conditions across the state.
Humans can help, too. The Oregon Department of Transportation’s incident response teams respond to and quickly clear crashes. ODOT also manages access along busy urban roads to keep traffic interruptions to a minimum
Ultimately, all of these technologies work together to make a system with fewer delays and less idling in backups, especially for higher emitting heavy trucks, meaning the resulting greenhouse gas emissions are also minimized.
Intelligent transportation systems: emissions reduction vision
ODOT and local partners will use intelligent transportation systems to improve system reliability and safety.
Within the next 5 years, ODOT will upgrade 75% of state-owned and maintained traffic signals.
By 2050, 95% of interstates and highways in urban areas will have ramp metering and incident response management.
By 2050, 95% of surface street systems will have coordinated traffic signal systems.
ODOT and local partners will plan for safe access to residences and businesses along major roads that also prioritize efficient traffic flow.
How Oregon is doing
Putting more technology on our roads and in front of travelers is a key near-term outcome of ODOT’s Strategic Action Plan. ODOT is already at work in the Portland region and other metropolitan areas to use dedicated funds for electronic message signs, variable speed signs, giving transit priority at intersections, and other technologies.
How Oregon can improve
State and local agencies have been steadily investing in new technology over the last decade to improve the efficiency of the transportation system, and to keep it safe and optimized. More state and local roads now have advisory speed signs, smarter ramp meters, variable message signs, HOV lanes, and other improvements.
However, long term funding is uncertain, which could make it difficult for agencies to maintain or install new systems. Moving forward, state government needs to continue to fund these new systems, collect and analyze real-time traffic data, and keep up with the pace of emerging technology.