Variable Speed Limits.ppt

Variable Speed Limits Presentation Overview What is a variable speed limit? How do variable speed limits work? Objectives of variable speed limit system Work Zone Tests Lessons learned Future products and additional information What is a Variable Speed Limit (VSL)? Speed limit changes with changing conditions Part-time Speed Limit Work Zone Focus of presentation Modern systems change the speed limits in real time: Traffic conditions Adverse weather conditions Road surface conditions Work Zones Computer controlled limits Variable Speed Limit System Components traffic and speed detectors variable speed signs microprocessor communication environmental sensors base station for recording speed limit changes Why Use Variable Speed Limits? Objectives Increase compliance Improve safety More efficient use of highway Less burdened justice system Responsive to dynamic conditions Provide real time information Variable Speed Limit Applications General VSL Winter Weather and Adverse Road Conditions Fog Congestion Work Zones General VSL Examples NJ Turnpike I-40 New Mexico Germany Characteristics Typically cover longer stretches of roadway Broad range of input criteria for speed limit decision (traffic speed, volume, crashes, congestion, construction, ice, snow, fog, etc.) I-40 New Mexico fully automated maximum speed limit constrained by NMSL minimum speed limit downstream hazard warning roadside station after each interchange Average Speeds and Variable Limit Over 24 hr N.M. Automated Speed Control Logic Congestion Examples Lodge Freeway, MI M25, UK Netherlands Characteristics Cover stretches of congested roadways Speeds set to reflect traffic conditions Slow traffic approaching backups Winter Weather and Road Conditions Examples I-90, Washington E18, Finland I-40, Arizona Characteristics Cover longer stretches of weather-susceptible roadways Speeds set to reflect roadway/weather/visibility conditions Fog Examples I-75, Tennessee I-80, Nevada F-6, Australia A