ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) is defined as the application of a range of advanced technologies and proven management techniques to improve mobility and transportation productivity, enhance safety, conserve energy resources and reduce adverse environmental effects. ITS uses real-time information to integrate and manage the components of a conventional transportation system (roads, transit, ramp meters, traffic signals, etc.). ITS can help reduce the amount of traffic congestion on busy roadways.
ITS can perform the following functions:
Reduce corridor congestion by rapidly detecting and responding to traffic incidents.
Reduce travel times, stops and delays by dynamically adjusting traffic signals in response to changing traffic conditions across jurisdictional boundaries and roadway types.
Alert motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, commercial vehicles, and transit operators of congestion by collecting, processing and disseminating real-time information.
Provide real-time transit arrival and departure information to passengers allowing them to time their departure from work or home to the transit stop.
The demand for mobility is often met by building more highways and bridges and adding more lanes to roads and streets in our cities. Although road widening can be very effective in in reducing traffic congestion, additional ways of managing traffic need to be considered to further enhance the efficiency of the roadway network. ITS provides new tools to augment traditional transportation improvements. Deployment of ITS tools and strategies, the next major evolutionary stage of surface transportation, is expected to be the focus of major metropolitan area implementation efforts over the next several years, much like the highway system program was the focus of the last 60 years. Implementing ITS is one of the most cost effective ways to augment a roadway Capital Improvement Program and obtain a more efficient transportation system.
ITS applications represent a significant opportunity to improve the efficiency and safety of the surface transportation system in Roseville. These applications primarily improve the operation of a transportation system by either performing a function faster or more reliably, or by providing a service that was not previously available. In so doing, ITS provides for improved mobility of people and goods on the roadway network.
ITS Master Plan
Roseville ITS Master Plan Project Overview:
The Roseville ITS Master Plan Project was the first step in establishing a fully deployed multi-modal ITS program. Previous project reports defined Roseville’s ITS Concept of Operations which presents strategies for achieving the City's ITS vision, goals, and objectives. This final report built on the ITS Concept of Operations by presenting a detailed deployment plan for implementing the City's ITS strategies. Descriptions of each of the recommended projects along with a preliminary implementation timeline and cost estimate can be found in the ITS Master Plan. In addition, matrices are presented which map each project to specific ITS strategies and geographic corridors.
Other ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) Components
Roseville is incorporating other ITS-related components along with the recently upgraded signal system to help reduce the amount of traffic congestion on busy roadways. The City uses this ITS technology with the goal of improving traffic circulation throughout the City as well as to decrease driver aggravation by providing them timely and relevant traveler information. This is accomplished by publishing real-time City traffic congestion, construction, special event, and major traffic incident information via the Internet and on CMS's (Changeable Message Signs).
The City of Roseville’s Traffic Operations Section provides real-time traffic information to the public via the Internet. The real-time information includes traffic congestion levels, incident (accident) and construction activities, as well as links to live video at 100+ intersections throughout the city. In addition, intersection turning movement and volume count data is available at various locations. The purpose of real-time traffic information is to improve roadway operations by providing real-time information the public so that they can make informed travel decisions.
Changeable Message Signs
Another traffic control device that aids in providing motorists with real-time information is changeable message signs (CMS’s). CMS’s located along roadways display real-time information to motorists such as accidents and special events. Providing this information allows the driver to make informed decisions regarding their travel options.
Current CMS locations: (1) the Galleria Mall, (2) Washington Blvd near the Placer County Fairgrounds, (3) Atlantic Street between Yosemite Street and Tiger Way, (4) Riverside Avenue south of Cirby Way, (5) Douglas west of Professional Drive, (6) Sierra College Blvd north of E. Roseville Parkway and (7) Sunrise Avenue south of Cirby Way.
Future locations for CMS’s include:(1) Baseline Blvd east of Fiddyment Rd - Fall/Spring 2011 and (2) Foothills Blvd South of Cirby Way Fall/Spring 2011.
Roseville ranked in National Traffic Signal Report Card
On October 9, 2007, the National Transportation Operations Coalition (NTOC) released the results of the 2007 National Traffic Signal Report Card. The results contained in the 2007 National Report Card were based on responses to the Traffic Signal Operation Self Assessment. More than 400 state and local governments completed the self assessment and returned the results for compilation into the 2007 National Traffic Signal Report Card. The nation, as an average, received a 'D' grade, while the City of Roseville received a 'B-'.
To view media coverage of the 2007 National Traffic Signal Report Card, visit the following links:
For more information regarding the NTOC, the 2007 Report Card results, the report card assessment process, audit guidelines, and 2005 Report Card results, visit www.ite.org/reportcard.
