INTEGRATED CORRIDOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: THE FIRST STEP TO FREEWAY AND ARTERIAL INTEGRATION

The Integrated Corridor Traffic Management (ICTM) project uses a unique approach to traffic management that combines technology and teamwork. ICTM involves an unprecedented partnership formed between city, county, state, and federal units of government. The cities of Bloomington, Richfield, and Edina, Hennepin County, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have joined together to improve the efficiency of travel within the Interstate 494 transportation corridor. The ICTM project spans five years and is broken up into four modules. Modules 1 & 2 are completed, with 27 ramp meters and 22 traffic signals running under adaptive control. In 1996, an additional 45 arterial traffic signals will come on-line. In 1997, motorist information signs, route guidance and surveillance equipment will be installed. The project will be fully operational by 1998. The Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) is being used to synchronize the timing of traffic signals and ramp meters within the corridor. The AWA Traffic Systems America/ Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) of New South Wales, Australia and Mn/DOT's Traffic Management Center (TMC) staff collaborated on the system integration. This paper explains the system integration activities required to maintain a functional TMC while implementing a new system. It also explains the flow balance equation employed and the associated queue, ramp, and mainline factors that formulate the adaptive ramp metering algorithm. The Spring 1996 data collection efforts will measure the project's benefits. The evaluation will assess both qualitative and quantitative measures. The qualitative measures are presented in this paper.