EVALUATION OF PORTABLE NON-INTRUSIVE TRAFFIC DETECTION SYSTEM

This article describes a study which developed a safe, accurate, and cost-effective method for collecting traffic data though the use of a portable non-intrusive traffic detection system (PNITDS). Created as an alternative to conventional traffic data collection methods, the system consists of a battery-powered, pole-mounted unit that can be attached to various existing roadside infrastructure, and serves as a platform for mounting side-fired non-intrusive traffic sensors. Test results indicate that the system is practical for short term data collection. The sensors were evaluated and shown to accurately collect volume and speed data for up to eight lanes when optimally mounted and calibrated. Length-based classification data required additional calibration time.