Completed

Roadway Digital Infrastructure (RDI) is a term that has been increasingly used in the context of roadway operations to describe the non-physical aspects that supplement the physical infrastructure in the support of operations. The collection, movement, and use of data is the most widespread example of digital infrastructure. This project describes collaborative and coordinated national-level RDI activities being conducted. In addition to researching and documenting national RDI activities, this ENTERPRISE project conducted engagement and discussions among members around conceptual or actual examples of RDI deployments in their agencies. Key takeaway and themes from these discussion include: transportation agency procurement of RDI systems and support is still evolving, transportation agency integration of RDI into existing systems is challenging, the Department of Transportation (DOT) role in RDI is still evolving with unanswered questions, there is some confusion about the term RDI and the justification for investments in it, and RDI data presents new opportunities and challenges for DOTs.  

A significant increase in traffic-related pedestrian fatalities has occurred in the United States since 2010. Of particular concern are uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at mid-blocks and other uncontrolled approaches, as the majority of pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection locations. The objective of this research was to review existing guidance for selecting intelligent transportation system (ITS) countermeasures at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings and uncontrolled approaches, and to identify associate gaps and needs. The project completed a review of existing guidance for selecting ITS pedestrian safety treatments, conducted an interactive meeting with state department of transportation (DOT) traffic safety professionals, and identified potential gaps and needs. The guidance reviewed commonly includes ITS treatments such as blinker signs, flashing beacons, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), and pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs). However, the interactive meeting with state DOT traffic safety professionals revealed limited deployment of ITS pedestrian treatments, inconsistency in application of these ITS treatments, and hesitancy with the use of some ITS technologies because drivers and pedestrians may not be familiar with these treatments. Overall, there appears to be a lack of on-road ITS pedestrian treatments for uncontrolled approaches. There may be an opportunity to further develop infrastructure-based pedestrian detection approaches such as cameras, radar, and LiDAR, especially at locations with known safety issues.

Transportation agencies develop and use simple innovations for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies and processes. This may include repurposing a device or component, identifying a new use or implementing a streamlined process. Transportation agencies can benefit from learning about other agencies’ simple innovations, so they may consider implementing similar approaches. ITS simple innovations were gathered for ENTERPRISE members through a literature search as well as outreach with practitioners through meetings, conferences, and webinars. The intent was to provide members with a searchable and sortable table listing the simple solutions that the user could then easily link to additional information if desired by providing the source. The innovations focus mostly on efforts from 2019 – 2024. CLICK HERE (link to innovations page table) to learn about all the ITS innovations gathered for this project. If you have any additional innovations to add, please contact Sinclair Stolle at Sinclair.Stolle@iowadot.us.