WSDOT SWR Roadside Equipment - 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: Advanced Rail Crossing
Field elements at highway-rail intersections (HRIs) where operational requirements demand advanced features (e.g., where rail operational speeds are greater than 80 miles per hour). Capabilities from the Standard Rail Crossing plus systems which preclude entrance into the intersection when the barriers are activated, additional arriving train information, and detection of blocked intersections.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall collect and process, traffic sensor data in the vicinity of a highway-rail intersection (HRI). | Planned |
| 2 | The field element shall determine whether the highway-rail intersection (HRI) is blocked by traffic in the roadway or some other obstruction. | Planned |
| 3 | The field element shall notify the traffic management center and the rail wayside equipment of any intersection blockages, including trapped vehicles or other obstructions. | Planned |
| 4 | The field element shall monitor the status of the highway-rail intersection (HRI) equipment, including both the current state and mode of operation and the current equipment condition, to be forwarded on to the traffic management center. | Planned |
| 5 | The field element shall monitor the status of the highway-rail intersection (HRI) equipment, including both the current state and mode of operation and the current equipment condition, to be forwarded on to the rail wayside equipment. | Planned |
| 6 | The field element shall receive track status and arriving train information from the rail wayside equipment that can be passed on to the traffic management center. This may include the current status of the tracks and when a train is expected and/or how long the crossing will be closed. | Planned |
| 7 | The field element shall collect pedestrian images and pedestrian sensor data, and respond to pedestrian crossing requests via display, audio signal, or other manner. | Planned |
| 8 | The field element shall control the dynamic message signs (DMS) in the vicinity of a highway-rail intersection (HRI) to advise drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians of approaching trains. | Planned |
| 9 | The field element shall close the highway-rail intersection (HRI) when a train is approaching with enough time for traffic to safely clear the crossing using gates, lights/signs, barriers, and traffic control signals. | Existing |
| 10 | The field element shall support the integrated control of adjacent traffic signals to clear an area in advance of an approaching train and to manage traffic around the intersection. | Planned |
| 11 | The field element shall forward rail traffic advisories received from the Wayside Equipment to the traffic management center. | Planned |
Functional Area: Field Barrier System Control
Field elements that control barrier systems such as gates and other systems that manage entry to roadways, transportation facilities and infrastructure.
Functional Area: Field Safeguard System Control
Field elements that control safeguard systems such as blast shields and tunnel exhaust systems that are used to mitigate the impact of incidents on transportation infrastructure.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall activate safeguard systems, equipment used to mitigate the impact of incidents on transportation infrastructure (e.g., blast shields, tunnel exhaust systems, etc.) under center control. | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall return safeguard system operational status to the controlling center. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element shall return safeguard system fault data to the maintenance center for repair. | Existing |
Functional Area: Multimodal Crossing Control
Field elements to monitor and control traffic at multimodal crossings, such as draw bridges and other crossings between highway traffic and other modes; does not include highway-rail intersection.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall include sensors to monitor requests from non-highway traffic to cross at multimodal crossings for specified durations (such as draw bridges and miscellaneous other interference crossings between highway traffic and other modes such as river traffic, aircraft, etc.); the sensors are under center control. | Planned |
| 2 | The field element shall include signals to control traffic at multimodal crossings on surface streets, under center control. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element shall include driver information systems (such as dynamic messages signs, highway advisory radios (HAR), and equipment that controls warning lights and gates) that advise drivers at multimodal crossings, under center control. | Existing |
| 4 | The field element shall provide operational status for the sensors, signals, and driver information systems equipment at multimodal crossings to the center. | Existing |
| 5 | The field element shall provide fault data for the sensors, signals, and driver information systems equipment at multimodal crossings to the center for repair. | Existing |
| 6 | The field element shall forward all requests for right-of-way at multimodal crossings to the controlling center. | Existing |
Functional Area: Roadway Automated Treatment
Field elements that activate automated roadway treatment systems (to disperse anti-icing chemicals, etc.) based on environmental or atmospheric conditions, or under center control.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall activate automated roadway treatment systems based on environmental or atmospheric conditions. Treatments can be in the form of fog dispersion, anti-icing chemicals, etc. | Planned |
| 2 | The field element shall activate automated roadway treatment systems under center control. Treatments can be in the form of fog dispersion, anti-icing chemicals, etc. | Planned |
| 3 | The field element shall return automated roadway treatment system and associated environmental sensor operational status to the maintenance center. | Planned |
| 4 | The field element shall return automated roadway treatment system and associated environmental sensor fault data to the maintenance center for repair. | Planned |
Functional Area: Roadway Basic Surveillance
Field elements that monitor traffic conditions using loop detectors and CCTV cameras.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall collect, process, digitize, and send traffic sensor data (speed, volume, and occupancy) to the center for further analysis and storage, under center control. | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall collect, process, and send traffic images to the center for further analysis and distribution. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element shall collect, digitize, and send multimodal crossing and high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane sensor data to the center for further analysis and storage. | Existing |
| 4 | The field element shall return sensor and CCTV system operational status to the controlling center. | Existing |
| 5 | The field element shall return sensor and CCTV system fault data to the controlling center for repair. | Existing |
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.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall collect traffic, road, and environmental conditions information. | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall include the sensors and supporting roadside devices that sense, collect, and send traffic, road, and environmental conditions information to a center for archival. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element shall collect sensor status and sensor faults from roadside equipment and send it along with the recorded data to a center for archival. | Existing |
Functional Area: Roadway Environmental Monitoring
Environmental sensors, surface and sub-surface, that collect weather and road surface information. Weather conditions measured include temperature, wind, humidity, precipitation, and visibility. Sensors measure road surface temperature, moisture, icing, salinity, etc.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall include surface and sub-surface environmental sensors that measure road surface temperature, moisture, icing, salinity, and other measures. | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall include environmental sensors that measure weather conditions including temperature, wind, humidity, precipitation, and visibility. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element's environmental sensors shall be remotely controlled by a maintenance center. | Existing |
| 6 | The field element's environmental sensors shall be remotely controlled by a maintenance and construction vehicle. | Planned |
| 7 | The field element shall provide environmental sensor equipment operational status to the controlling center or maintenance vehicle. | Planned |
| 8 | The field element shall provide environmental sensor equipment fault indication to the controlling center or maintenance vehicle. | Planned |
| 9 | The field element shall remotely aggregate environmental sensor data with environmental data collected from maintenance and construction vehicles. | Planned |
| 10 | The field element shall provide weather and road surface condition data to centers. | Existing |
| 11 | The field element shall provide weather and road surface condition data to maintenance and construction vehicles. | Planned |
Functional Area: Roadway Equipment Coordination
Field elements that control and send data to other field elements (such as environmental sensors that send data to a DMS or coordination between traffic controllers on adjacent intersections), without center control.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall include sensors that provide data and status information to other field element devices, without center control. | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall include sensors that receive configuration data from other field element devices, without center control. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element shall include devices that provide data and status information to other field element devices without center control. | Existing |
| 4 | The field element shall include devices that receive configuration data from other field element devices, without center control. | Existing |
Functional Area: Roadway Field Device Monitoring
Monitors field equipment operational status and detects and reports fault conditions. Device status, configuration, and fault information are provided to a remote center and a user interface provides information locally to field personnel.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall monitor the operational status (state of the device, configuration, and fault data) of connected sensors (such as traffic, infrastructure, environmental, security, speed) and devices (such as highway advisory radio, dynamic message signs, automated roadway treatment systems, barrier and safeguard systems, cameras, traffic signals, ramp meters, short range communications equipment, security surveillance equipment). | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall send operational status of connected field equipment to the maintenance center. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element shall send collected fault data to the maintenance center for repair. | Existing |
| 4 | The field element shall include a local interface that provides operational status and fault data for connected field equipment to field personnel. | Existing |
| 5 | The field element shall include a local interface that allows field personnel to command diagnostic tests on connected field equipment. | Existing |
Functional Area: Roadway HOV Control
HOV lane usage traffic sensors and display equipment to notify users of HOV lane status for control of traffic in HOV lanes on freeways.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall include sensors to detect high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane usage, under center control. | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall include driver information systems to notify users of lane status for lanes that become HOV or High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes during certain times of the day on freeways, under center control. | Planned |
| 3 | The field element shall include freeway control devices, such as ramp signals and mainline metering and other systems associated with freeway operations that control use of HOV lanes, under center control. | Existing |
| 5 | The field element shall provide traffic flow measures and information regarding vehicle occupancy (i.e., lane usage) in HOV lanes to the center. | Existing |
| 6 | The field element shall return operational status for the HOV lane sensors to the controlling center. | Existing |
| 7 | The field element shall return fault data for the HOV lane sensors to the center for repair. | Existing |
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.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall collect, process, and send traffic images to the center for further analysis and distribution. | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall remotely process video data and provide an indication of potential incidents to the traffic management center. | Planned |
| 3 | The field element's video devices shall be remotely controlled by a traffic management center. | Existing |
| 4 | The field element shall provide operational status and fault data for the incident detection devices to the traffic management center. | Planned |
Functional Area: Roadway Infrastructure Monitoring
Sensors that monitor the condition of pavement, bridges, tunnels, associated hardware, and other transportation-related infrastructure (e.g., culverts), under maintenance center and maintenance vehicle control.
Functional Area: Roadway Probe Data Communications
Field elements that collect probe data from vehicles using short range communications.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall communicate with passing vehicles for traffic data link time calculations and send collected data to the controlling center; identification will be removed to ensure anonymity. | Planned |
| 2 | The field element shall communicate with on-board equipment on passing vehicles to collect current vehicle position, speed, and heading and a record of previous events (e.g., starts and stops, link travel times) that can be used to determine current traffic conditions. | Planned |
| 3 | The field element shall communicate with on-board equipment on passing vehicles to collect current status information and a record of previous events (e.g., temperature, wiper status, headlight status, traction control system status) that can be used to determine road and surface weather conditions. | Planned |
| 6 | The field element shall aggregate and forward collected probe information to the center. | Planned |
| 7 | The field element shall provide roadside equipment operational status to the center. | Planned |
| 8 | The field element shall provide roadside equipment fault indication to the center for repair. | Planned |
Functional Area: Roadway Short Range Traveler Information Communications
Field elements that distribute information to in-vehicle equipment. The information provided may be determined locally or under the control of a center.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall distribute traveler information including traffic and road conditions to passing vehicles using short range communications, under center control. | Planned |
| 2 | The field element shall distribute advisory information, such as evacuation information, wide-area alerts, incident information, work zone intrusion information, and other special information to passing vehicles using short range communications, under center control. | Planned |
| 3 | The field element shall distribute indicator and fixed sign information, including static sign information (e.g., stop, curve warning, guide signs, service signs, and directional signs) and dynamic information (e.g., current signal states and local conditions warnings identified by local environmental sensors) to equipment on-board vehicles under center control. | Planned |
| 4 | The field element shall return system operational status to the controlling center. | Planned |
| 5 | The field element shall return system fault data to the maintenance center for repair. | Planned |
Functional Area: Roadway Signal Controls
Field elements including traffic signal controllers for use at signalized intersections; also supports pedestrian crossings.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall control traffic signals under center control. | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall respond to pedestrian crossing requests by accommodating the pedestrian crossing. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element shall provide the capability to notify the traffic management center of pedestrian calls and pedestrian accommodations. | Existing |
| 4 | The field element shall report the current signal control information to the center. | Existing |
| 5 | The field element shall report current preemption status to the center. | Existing |
| 6 | The field element shall return traffic signal controller operational status to the center. | Existing |
| 7 | The field element shall return traffic signal controller fault data to the center. | Existing |
Functional Area: Roadway Signal Priority
Field elements that provide the capability to receive transit vehicle signal priority requests and control traffic signals accordingly.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall respond to signal priority requests from transit vehicles. | Existing |
Functional Area: Roadway Speed Monitoring and Warning
Vehicle speed sensors that detect excessive vehicle speeds, optionally based on conditions and vehicle type, informing drivers, centers and/or enforcement agencies of speed violations.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall include sensors to detect vehicle speeds, under traffic or maintenance center control. | Existing |
| 4 | The field element shall base speed advisories to passing drivers on environmental conditions. | Existing |
| 6 | The field element shall return operational status for the vehicle speed sensors to the controlling traffic or maintenance center; including measured speeds, warning messages displayed, and violation records. | Existing |
| 8 | The field element shall return fault data for the vehicle speed sensors to the controlling center for repair. | Existing |
Functional Area: Roadway Traffic Information Dissemination
Driver information systems, such as dynamic message signs and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR).
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall include dynamic messages signs for dissemination of traffic and other information to drivers, under center control; the DMS may be either those that display variable text messages, or those that have fixed format display(s) (e.g. vehicle restrictions, or lane open/close). | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall include driver information systems that communicate directly from a center to the vehicle radio (such as Highway Advisory Radios) for dissemination of traffic and other information to drivers, under center control. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element shall include pedestrian information systems under center control (e.g. warning pedestrians of a potential hazard, or providing mandatory instructions as to the availability of pedestrian access). | Planned |
| 4 | The field element shall provide operational status for the driver information systems equipment (DMS, HAR, etc.) to the center. | Existing |
| 5 | The field element shall provide fault data for the driver information systems equipment (DMS, HAR, etc.) to the center for repair. | Existing |
Functional Area: Roadway Traffic Metering
Control equipment including ramp, interchange, and mainline meters and the dynamic message signs that provide information about the meters and any special bypass lanes.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall regulate the flow of traffic on ramps, interchanges, and the mainline, under center control. | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall monitor operation of ramp, interchange, and mainline meters and report to the center any conflicts between received control plans and current system operation. | Existing |
| 3 | The field element shall return ramp, interchange, and mainline meter operational status to the controlling center. | Existing |
| 4 | The field element shall provide indications to the driver that the metering system is active and provide safe transitions between active and inactive status. | Existing |
| 5 | The field element shall return ramp, interchange, and mainline meter fault data to the maintenance center for repair. | Existing |
Functional Area: Roadway Work Zone Safety
Work zone intrusion detection devices (to detect vehicle intrusion upon a work zone or crew worker movement across a work zone boundary) and intrusion alerting devices that provide alerts to crew and drivers.
Functional Area: Roadway Work Zone Traffic Control
Field elements in maintenance and construction areas including CCTV cameras, driver information systems (such as DMS), and gates/barriers that monitor and control traffic and provide information directly to drivers in affected areas.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall collect, process, and send work zone images to the center for further analysis and distribution, under center control. | Existing |
| 2 | Under traffic and maintenance center control, the field element shall include driver information systems (such as dynamic messages signs and highway advisory radios) that advise drivers of activity around the work zone through which they are currently passing. | Existing |
| 3 | Under the control of field personnel within maintenance vehicles, the field element shall include driver information systems (such as dynamic messages signs and highway advisory radios) that advise drivers of activity around a work zone through which they are currently passing. | Planned |
| 5 | The field element shall provide operational status for the surveillance (e.g. CCTV), driver information systems, and gates/barriers in work zones to the maintenance center. | Planned |
| 6 | The field element shall provide fault data for the surveillance (e.g. CCTV), driver information systems, and gates/barriers in work zones to the maintenance center for repair. | Existing |
Functional Area: Standard Rail Crossing
Field elements at highway-rail intersections (HRIs) where operational requirements do not dictate advanced features (e.g., where rail operational speeds are less than 80 miles per hour). Includes traditional HRI warning systems augmented with other standard traffic management devices.
| ID | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The field element shall collect and process, traffic sensor data in the vicinity of a highway-rail intersection (HRI). | Existing |
| 2 | The field element shall monitor the status of the highway-rail intersection (HRI) equipment, including both the current state and mode of operation and the current equipment condition, to be forwarded on to the traffic management center. | Planned |
| 3 | The field element shall monitor the status of the highway-rail intersection (HRI) equipment, including both the current state and mode of operation and the current equipment condition, to be forwarded on to the rail wayside equipment. | Planned |
| 4 | The field element shall receive track status from the rail wayside equipment that can be passed on to the traffic management center. This may include the current status of the tracks and whether a train is approaching. | Planned |
| 6 | The field element shall control the dynamic message signs (DMS) in the vicinity of a highway-rail intersection (HRI) to advise drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians of approaching trains. | Planned |
| 7 | The field element shall close the highway-rail intersection (HRI) when a train is approaching using gates, lights/signs, barriers, and traffic control signals. | Existing |
| 8 | The field element shall support the integrated control of adjacent traffic signals to clear an area in advance of an approaching train and to manage traffic around the intersection. | Planned |
| 9 | The field element shall forward rail traffic advisories received from the Wayside Equipment to the traffic management center. | Planned |