Evaluation of Variable Speed Limit/Variable Advisory Speed Systems
Started: September, 2013 Ended: July, 2016 Project ID #4W4594 Status: Completed
Objective
The objective of this project is to evaluate the performance of variable speed limit (VSL) and variable advisory speed (VAS) systems in urban (OR 217) and rural (US26/OR35) settings in Oregon and provide guidance for future implementations of similar systems. The research will examine the before and after performance data of the VSL/VAS systems in addressing congestion, travel times, weather information, and crashes based on the specific issues of each corridor.
Abstract
Freeway congestion leads to mobility delays, wasted fuel, reduced safety and air quality impacts. Weather conditions also cause delays and increase the potential for crashes. Active Traffic Management (ATM) systems such as Variable Speed Limit (VSL) and Variable Advisory Speeds (VAS) provide traffic and weather responsive guidance to drivers and have shown promise for reducing congestion and weather-related crashes by reducing drivers’ speeds.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is currently implementing ATM, VSL, and VAS systems on state highways. Evaluating the performance of initial systems will be vital for determining how and where to implement similar systems around the state. This project will evaluate the performance of two systems:
- The OR 217 installation project is on a congested 7 mile segment of urban highway in the Portland area. The project includes a weather-responsive VAS, posting of real-time travel times, queue warning, infrared and laser weather detection sensors, and a weather-responsive curve warning system.
- The US26/OR 35 Mount Hood Safety and Traveler Information Project covers 67 miles of rural highway. It includes VSL, VAS, a variable message sign (VMS), and a Road Weather Information System.
Contacts
-
Ahmed Al Kaisy - PI
-
David Veneziano - Co-PI
Sponsors & Partners
- Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Sponsor
Part of: Safety and Operations
Project Tagged In: speed limits, Congestion management strategies
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