Evaluation of integrated communications and control technology for traffic operations. Final report

For traffic surveillance and control systems to function, an effective communications subsystem is required to transmit data from detector sites to a control center and to return control instructions to motorist information on control equipment. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the cost effectiveness, flexibility, adaptability, and suitability of various communications media for collecting and transmitting information from and to detection and control sites. The specific objectives are to (1) evaluate the integrated communications and control for traffic operations and incident response (2) evaluate the cost-effectiveness and trade-offs of potential communication technology such as fiber optics, coaxial cable, and microwave systems for traffic control, and (3) assess the effectiveness of communication technology that is used on freeway in application for local jurisdictions. The report provides information intended for use by planners, designers, and construction managers in making decisions with regards to communication in traffic management and control systems.