Missouri, United States
Maryland, United States
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Reno, Nevada, United States
Springfield, Illinois, United States
The purpose of the I-70 Corridor Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Technology Applications Study was to evaluate and plan for innovative technologies that could enhance the safety and mobility within the I-70 Corridor between Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. This report discussed the following ITS applications currently implemented or planned for deployment by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
- Dynamic Message Signs (DMS)
- Lane Control Signal System
- Fog Warning Systems
- Weather Data Sharing Networks
- Side Collision Warning Systems (Blind Spot Warning)
- Closed-Circuit Television Surveillance Cameras
- Traffic Flow Monitoring
- Hazardous Material Emergency Response
- Enhanced Weigh Stations Applications
- Enhanced Work Zones
- Tolling Systems
- Communications/Utility Corridor - Fiber Optic Backbone
Resources and Costs
Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS)
The Clarus system is a multi-state network that collects and shares road weather information (weather, pavement, and water level data) using environmental sensing stations (ESS) to support transportation managers, weather specialists, and drivers. Connecting increasing numbers of ESS stations is a major cost driver for the informational network. The following table provides general cost estimates for data sharing components.
Number of ESS | Site Metadata | Climate Metadata | Equipment | Software and hardware | Total Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 to 25 ESS | $3,000 | $500 | $2,000 | $4,500 | $10,000 |
20-50 ESS | $5,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,500 | $12,500 |
Source: 6th Clarus ICC Meeting August 2008, Reno, Nevada.
Fog Warning Systems
Fog warning system costs depend primarily on the complexity of the system and size of the coverage area. These systems typically use existing ESS visibility sensors or cameras and use wireless communication links to activate flashers on roadside warning signs and post control messages on DMS. The table below provides estimated costs for a fog warning system on I-68 in Maryland.
Item | Total Project Cost |
---|---|
Cost of New Infrastructure | $125,000 |
Cost of Modifying an Existing RWIS | $75,000 |
Source: Fog detection and warning system installation on I-68 in Maryland (2003).
Dynamic Message Signs (DMS)
- Contractor bid tabulations given to estimate relocation costs for an existing DMS on I-70 ranged from $30,000 to $40,000 per sign. The estimate assumed that existing hardware and structure was reused.
- Estimated costs for a new DMS ranged from $100,000 to $120,000 (including installation) and included costs for the associated cabinet, power supply, and a connection to the network backbone.
Lane Control Signal System
- The cost of a lane control system used to help trucks merge onto highways was estimated at $80,000 to $90,000 per ramp.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
CCTV camera systems typically include costs for the camera mount (i.e., pole mount), hardware equipment cabinet, power service, and a communications connection.
- On I-70, I-29 and I-35, the cost per camera site was estimated at $50,000.
Traffic Flow Monitoring
Costs for traffic flow monitoring generally depend on the type of technology selected. Transponder based systems are most common.
- Detection systems cost about $15,000 per site to cover one direction of traffic or about $30,000 to cover both directions.
- Installation costs are much less if collocated with a DMS or CCTV installation.
Side Collision Warning Systems (Blind Spot Warning)
Side collision warning systems can provide visual and audible alerts to drivers when objects are detected in vehicle blind spots. Some systems provide the driver with a digital display to show the distance between the vehicle and the detected object, while other systems use visual indicators or lights on side view mirrors.
- FMCSA estimates that the costs of a side collision warning system can range from $760 to $2,000 per vehicle depending on the type of system selected, the installation costs, and the level of integration with other on-board systems.
Hazardous Material Emergency Response
The Kansas City Scout program implemented an emergency response system to enable local municipalities to share video.
- Implementation costs were estimated at $50,000 for a Web based system.
- Technology used to share video between emergency responders would have similar costs.
Enhanced Weigh Stations Applications
Virtual weigh stations can monitor traffic in truck-only lanes without having to purchase extensive right of way adjacent to the mainline for weigh station construction.
- Based on requests to FMCSA for Federal CVISN Deployment funds, estimated costs for a virtual weigh station system ranged from $300,000 to $1,400,000 (FHWA Concept of Operations of Virtual Weigh Station, June 2009).
Enhanced Work Zones
Costs for Smart Work Zones depend on the duration of the project, and the number of DMS units, traffic sensors, and portable cameras required. The Illinois DOT implemented a Smart Work Zone on a 40-mile section of I-55 in Springfield. The system used 17 remotely controlled DMS, eight portable traffic sensors, and four portable cameras linked to a base station for 16 months (February 2001 to May 2002).
- The total cost for the lease including 24-hour contractor support was estimated at $785,000.
Tolling Systems
The cost data shown below were compiled from national averages of similar toll facilities.
Item
|
Unit
|
Cost
|
---|---|---|
Toll Gantry | Per Gantry |
$300,000
|
Toll Lane Equipment | Per Lane |
$200,000
|
Toll Vehicle Enforcement System (VES) Data Host | Per Toll System |
$1.0 million to $1.5 million
|
Host Servers and Functions | Per Toll System |
$300,000
|
TMC/Video Control | Per TMC |
$500,000
|
Transponders | Per Transponder |
$10 to $40
|
Communications/Utility Corridor - Fiber Optic Backbone
Communication backbones were studied in three areas of the United States.
- Interstate 90 through South Dakota, southern Minnesota, northern Iowa and central and western Wisconsin
- Interstate 20 through northern Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama
- Interstate 91 through Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire.
- The average cost to implement a fiber optic backbone that uses 48-fiber cable conduit, access hand holes and signal regeneration buildings can range from $70,000 to $200,000 per mile. Cost per mile varies greatly depending on the terrain and soil conditions. Costs would be less if the conduit were installed in conjunction with a roadway construction project.
I-70 Corridor Intelligent Transportation Systems and Technology Applications Study
See summary