LONG-TERM STRATEGY OF FIBER-OPTICS DEPLOYMENT IN HOUSTON ITS SYSTEM

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the strategic requirements of a successful fiber-optic ITS system deployment. The Houston Computerized Traffic Management System (CTMS) is an example of such a project. The Houston ITS system provides a common fiber-optic backbone for transmitting voice, video and computer data for monitoring and controlling of traffic flow. The system is shared by several agencies: Texas Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Transit Authority, the City of Houston and Harris County. Information carried on the network includes closed circuit television; computer data for motorist information shown on variable message signs; traffic data, such as speed and occupancy; and voice telecommunications along freeways and between major highway trunks and the traffic management center. The agencies use the system to monitor traffic conditions enabling them to make appropriate decisions for traffic control and incident management. Houston's CTMS fiber-optic backbone system consists of several 36-fiber multimode and 36-fiber single-mode fiber systems networking hundreds of computers that monitor and control traffic, advise motorists of traffic conditions and provide incident verification with video, throughout the major corridors in the Houston area. This paper discusses the benefits of optical fiber, front-end planning/system design considerations, key issues of systems integration, cost considerations and equipment selection criteria. North American Controls Corporation (NACC) provided system engineering and integration services, including design and integration of the fiber-optic communications backbone system. Corning supplied multimode and single-mode optical fiber