Western Michigan University. Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities

RC-1631

Tech Report

Michigan

Michigan. Dept. of Transportation

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.

PDF

2013-0069

US Transportation Collection