APPENDIX C: WHITE PAPER ON NEW TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

ATM strategies aim to maximize facility efficiency while increasing roadway safety. An integral part of ATM strategy effectiveness relies on utilizing multiple data sources and other technology systems. For instance, these supplemental sources and systems can include a variety of sensors, real-time data collection and analysis, and other automated and dynamic systems to optimize performance. However, as new technology becomes available to agencies, these developments present new opportunities and challenges. New technology can offer ATM strategies more capabilities and robust data to optimize decision-making, but challenges may arise when integrating, planning, creating stakeholder buy-in, and preparing for unexpected technological limitations and maintenance.

STATE-OF-THE-PRACTICE

Every year roadway accidents and congestion cost billions of dollars in delays, productivity, injuries, and fuel consumption (Hooper 2018, DeCorla-Souza 2008). Between all the advancements currently made in infrastructure and newer vehicles, the combination of technologies and ITS applications is expected to yield significant road safety and mobility improvements to mitigate these costs. For example, in-vehicle technologies, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and/or advanced rider assistance systems (ARAS), are advanced in-vehicle safety features that are meant to support operators with various driving and riding tasks, respectively (Fowler et al. 2022). These types of systems are considered Level 1 and Level 2 in the SAE International J3016 standard defining levels of vehicle automation and have significantly helped reduce incident and injury rates by offering operator support (Teoh 2013, IIHS 2022).

The next steps in advancing vehicle technologies include deploying autonomous and CVs, which are recognized as ITS applications (Fowler et al. 2022). Researchers have indicated that connected and autonomous vehicle technology can increase safety and mobility and provide positive environmental impacts once fully deployed (USDOT n.d., NHTSA n.d.). Autonomous vehicles (AVs) and CVs are vehicles that possess the technology to perform and/or assist a driver with driving tasks. CVs utilize information exchanged between other vehicles, infrastructure, or both to help optimize the system or driver decision-making. Additionally, CVs can support specific ADAS and ARAS features (Fowler et al. 2022). These communications are often referred to as vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, or vehicle-to-other object. Comparatively, AVs rely on software and hardware to perform various driving tasks and can vary in ability depending on the level of automation. According to the SAE International J3016 standard, the level of automation can range from manual (Level 0) to completely autonomous without the need for driver input (Level 5) (SAE International 2021).

According to the U.S. DOT’s ITS Joint Program Office, other ITS applications can help support and maximize traffic flow using a plethora of real-time information. ITS is often referred to as the backbone of ATM, serving as the foundation to provide ATM strategies with the necessary data and technology required for deployment. ITS technologies include electronic toll collection, ramp meters, red-light cameras, traffic signal coordination, signal priority, traveler systems, etc. (USDOT 2023). ITS also helps transportation systems management operations enable various freeway management strategies such as ATM, traveler information, work zone management, traffic incident management, etc. (USDOT 2021). Specific to ATM, these strategies can include but are not

limited to dynamic lane use, variable speed limits, speed harmonization, and so forth. Agencies continue to invest in ITS infrastructure; however, as the deployment of CVs and AVs becomes more feasible, new implications relating to ATM emerge. Agencies must continue to expand their knowledge base and develop the expertise to keep up with evolving capabilities in infrastructure, data computing, compatibility, transmission, and analysis (USDOT 2023).

CONSIDERATIONS AND IMPACTS ON ATM

Currently, technologies and information sources exist to support the deployment of ATM strategies. As ATM systems are increasingly deployed throughout the United States, the potential for new technologies to support them becomes a longer-term investment need, particularly as roadway infrastructure develops and self-driving vehicles emerge (Bayless et al. 2013). Some technologies, such as CVs and AVs, are still developing but may provide valuable information to implement ATM strategies in the future.

ATM strategies attempt to manage recurrent and nonrecurrent congestion dynamically and proactively on an entire facility based on real-time or predicted traffic conditions (FHWA 2012). As such, they rely heavily on sensing technologies such as radar (Bayless et al. 2013). Inputs are gathered from these sensors and decision support systems are used to adapt speed limits or even traffic signal phases. Modifying the signal phase and timing can help maximize traffic flow. Similarly, speed harmonization or travel speed adjustments based on traffic or other road conditions (Fowler et al. 2022) can also reduce congestion and collision frequency.

Although ATM strategies depend more on these sensors and radar technologies, other vehicle communications will significantly impact these systems. For example, as more vehicles become advanced and include ADAS and other vehicle communications, ATM systems can leverage these capabilities to optimize predictability and adaptability. Coalescing active sensing technologies with other applications like connectivity will only improve the robustness of ATM (Bayless et al. 2013). However, like many technological applications, overall effectiveness will depend on the capability or level of automation as well as how many vehicles have these features. Agencies must navigate how connectivity and automation will impact their operations, resources, and maintenance. The combination of ATM strategies and CV/AV technologies may bring opportunities to reach more drivers and enhance safety, but it is unclear what expertise will be needed, and what capability agencies will need to integrate these technologies to reach drivers and enhance ATM implementations. Furthermore, technology advancements may complicate decisions regarding which ATM strategies to deploy and where (Kuhn et al. 2017).

Research indicates that ATM can function with CVs and help deliver ATM-related messages to drivers (Kuhn et al. 2017). In 2015, a demonstration sponsored by the FHWA demonstrated the ability for queue warning and speed harmonization messages to be delivered directly to vehicle drivers using cellular and dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) (Kuhn et al. 2017, Stephens et al. 2015). The demonstration showed that the Intelligent Network Flow Optimization System possessed the bandwidth to support ATM functionality in a CV environment (Kuhn et al. 2017, Stephens et al. 2015). Other demonstrations are underway to create similar environments. The Pennsylvania DOT aims to deploy adaptive traffic signal control along the McKnight Road Corridor, as well as DSRC to facilitate CV and AV research (Kuhn et al. 2017, Pennsylvania DOT 2014).

RELEVANCE TO KEY CONCEPTS

Table C-1 summarizes the relevance of new technology to the major topic categories of the ATM guide. This matrix helped guide the inclusion of new technology content in the final guide.

Table C-1. Relevance of New Technology to the ATM Guide Topic Categories.

CHALLENGES AND ENABLERS

This section summarizes the challenges and enablers associated with new technology and ATM operational strategies.

Challenges

Challenges associated with new technology fall into two categories: (1) stakeholder engagement and public outreach and (2) planning and budgeting considerations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Public Outreach

Involving a diverse group of stakeholders, especially in terms of expertise, is important to gain their support, trust, and feedback on new technology. Stakeholders include anyone that may have a vested interest in current and/or new ATM strategies such as state, county, and/or city agencies; law enforcement; first responders; transit officials; and the traveling public. Public outreach can often assist in building trust and relationships among agencies and the traveling public. By promoting the benefits and purpose of newer technology, as well as educating groups, agencies can foster user acceptance and utilization. Furthermore, as integration challenges emerge with newer ITS infrastructure and the deployment of advanced vehicle technology, a diverse group of stakeholders may offer unique guidelines in planning and data analysis.

Planning and Budgeting Considerations

When planning for ATM strategy operations, an agency should include flexibility in the plans to allow for future advancements like new equipment, new software, and other tools to be swiftly integrated as they emerge. As budgets are created, similar considerations should be made to allow for future innovation as new technologies develop, such as connected and automated vehicle technologies.

Enablers

Enablers associated with new technology can be categorized as (1) coordinated efforts and (2) stakeholder feedback.

Coordinated Efforts

Collaboration between agencies is necessary to successfully deploy ATM strategies and integrate new technologies. Collaborative efforts can help ensure success by sharing and addressing concerns and providing agencies with a better understanding of the resources needed to deploy or maintain new technology. Collaboration could occur between jurisdictions, law enforcement, and even the public. It is also important to consider that although a single agency may be deploying a new system, cooperation in the form of data sharing could benefit many other systems and projects.

Stakeholder Feedback

As new technology and equipment are introduced, agencies should involve stakeholders throughout the planning process. Feedback can provide ideas to the planning agency to ensure the new system’s success and help create buy-in among stakeholders. Furthermore, establishing a clear

vision upfront, including new roles and responsibilities that other agencies may take, will help yield readiness and a successful deployment.

OUTSTANDING ISSUES AND MAJOR GAPS

This section discusses key outstanding issues and major gaps associated with new technology and ATM.

Maintenance and Operations Cost

New costs may arise when maintaining and operating new equipment and systems. Often maintenance is classified as responsive, preventative, or emergency oriented (Vick and Sumner, 2004). In other words, maintenance can occur in response to an event, to prevent damage, or in the event of a severe error that requires immediate attention. Agencies should further examine what resources and costs will be needed to provide all types of maintenance services to new equipment. Further examination may also uncover specific failure modes and types that can help agencies better mitigate unsafe scenarios.

Staffing and Training

Trained personnel that are most up-to-date with new technology installations and recent changes in corresponding procedures are essential to ATM deployments and other advanced technologies. As systems become more complex and automated, an agency’s knowledge base must follow and be prepared to handle various issues as complexity increases. However, many agencies struggle to recruit and retain qualified staff that can manage intricate systems and technology. Expertise may also include specific field hardware, software, and ATM knowledge. Furthermore, this expertise may require further understanding of data computation, transmission, and analysis as connectivity and automated features advance in vehicles and infrastructure (USDOT 2021).

Before a new technology is introduced, agencies should consider training costs in terms of time, effort, and monetary value required to maintain the new system. Additionally, agencies should determine whether a new device and/or system will require new employees or if training current staff will suffice to support operations. Training needs may also include new equipment operations and maintenance.

Device Compatibility and Increasing Complexity

It is common for newer, advanced technology to have an unforeseeable impact, especially as systems are increasingly becoming more complex and automated. The transportation network, for instance, contains infrastructure comprised of multiple technologies, systems, and subsystems. Introducing new devices and systems related to ATM may have unpredictable effects based on their interactions with other established technologies. Agencies should consider the compatibility of such devices with existing infrastructure and carefully plan and study deployments to prepare for unpredictable events. Although their limits or interactions may not be entirely understood until the devices are fully deployed, prior planning can help mitigate surprises and ensure that an agency is prepared to handle them.

KEY REFERENCES

U.S. Department of Transportation. (2023). ITS Deployment Evaluation – Benefits. https://www.itskrs.its.dot.gov/benefits. Accessed November 2023.

U.S. Department of Transportation. (2021). ITS ePrimer. https://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/eprimer/module1.aspx. Accessed November 2022.