City of Elizabethton Field Sensors - Roadway Functionality

Subsystem Description

The Roadway Subsystem (RS) includes the equipment distributed on and along the roadway that monitors and controls traffic and monitors and manages the roadway itself. Equipment includes traffic detectors, environmental sensors, traffic signals, highway advisory radios, dynamic message signs, CCTV cameras and video image processing systems, grade crossing warning systems, and freeway ramp metering systems. HOV lane management, reversible lane management functions, and barrier systems that control access to transportation infrastructure such as roadways, bridges and tunnels are also supported. This subsystem also provides the capability for environmental monitoring including sensors that measure road conditions, surface weather, and vehicle emissions. In adverse conditions, automated systems can be used to apply anti-icing materials, disperse fog, etc. Work zone systems including work zone surveillance, traffic control, driver warning, and work crew safety systems are also included. To enhance security, safeguard systems such as blast shields, exhaust systems and other automated and remotely controlled systems to protect transportation infrastructure is also provided. In advanced implementations, this subsystem supports automated vehicle safety systems by safely controlling access to and egress from an Automated Highway System through monitoring of, and communications with, AHS vehicles. Intersection collision avoidance functions are provided by determining the probability of a collision in the intersection and sending appropriate warnings and/or control actions to the approaching vehicles.

Functional Area: Roadway Basic Surveillance

Field elements that monitor traffic conditions using loop detectors and CCTV cameras.

Functional Area: Roadway Data Collection

Field elements to collect traffic, road, and environmental conditions information for use in transportation planning, research, and other off-line applications. Includes the sensors, supporting roadside infrastructure, and communications equipment.

Functional Area: Roadway Incident Detection

Field elements that monitor traffic conditions to identify incidents. It includes traffic detectors that collect traffic flow information and identify unusual traffic conditions and advanced CCTV cameras with built-in incident detection algorithms.