This scope of work describes the third phase in a multi-phase research project aimed at developing a one-stop shop for rural traveler information. This phase investigates further expansion of a prototype information delivery mechanism as well as development of a mobile interface. The prototype delivery mechanism was expanded during Phase 2 of this project beyond its original coverage area of the COATS region (California and Oregon) and subsequent coverage of the WSRTC area (California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada) to provide rural traveler information for the entire mainland western United States by adding coverage of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Additional data is available from these new states including CMS messages, incidents, maintenance and construction reports, etc. It is desirable to add this data to the prototype system. It is further desirable to create a mobile interface to the prototype system since users desire access via using smartphones and tablets.

This project is conducted through the Western States Rural Transportation Consortium (WSRTC). The WSRTC is comprised of the states of California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada, and has been established to facilitate and enhance safe, seamless travel throughout the western United States.

UPDATE: The Transportation Research Board has selected this project for “Research Pays Off,” a featured section in TR News, its national research magazine. This article was published in the March/April 2018 issue. (TR News is copyright, National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; posted with permission of the Transportation Research Board.)

TR News Article