Michigan. Dept. of Transportation

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This report analyses costs and benefits of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) deployed by

the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). MDOT ITS focuses on traffic incident

management and also provide Freeway Courtesy Patrol services. According to a survey in this

study, radio, television and Mi Drive are the most frequently used travel information sources and

93 percent of motorists are at least somewhat trusting general dynamic message sign (DMS)

information. The survey also revealed that the motorists assisted by the freeway courtesy patrol

(FCP) are willing to wait at least 15 minutes longer than actual wait times and over 90 percent

are satisfied with the quality and response time of the service. MDOT ITS reduced significant

incident duration and delays. Thanks to the delay reduction, the benefit-cost ratio of statewide

ITS deployment was estimated at 3.16. Among ITS devices in Michigan, CCTV and DMS were

found to be very cost-effective. Accordingly, future investments should focus on DMS and CCTV

installation, while deployment of MVDS needs further studies in conjunction with the coming

wake of Connected Vehicle technology. ITS deployments were more cost-effective on locations

with higher incidents and higher traffic volumes. This study identified highway segments with

highest potential for positive ITS benefit.

US Transportation Collection

2013-0069