Developing a Low-Cost Open-Source Traffic Counter for Rural Areas (CTRA)

Details

• Creators:
  Belz, Nathan ; Eagan, Daniel
• Corporate Creators:
  University of Alaska Fairbanks. Center for Safety Equity in Transportation (CSET)
• Corporate Contributors:
  United States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program ; United States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Traffic counting
  • Transportation planning
  • Rural areas
  • Data collection
  • Education and training
  • Electronic equipment
  • Computers open-source
• Publication/ Report Number:
  INE/CSET 24.08
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States;Alaska
• Edition:
  Final Report
• Corporate Publisher:
  University of Alaska Fairbanks. Center for Safety Equity in Transportation (CSET)
• Abstract:
  This research addresses operational disconnects and knowledge gaps related to traffic data collection in rural areas by developing a low-cost 3D-printed and open-source traffic counter (CTRA). Conventional pneumatic tube-based systems, which are still in use by transportation agencies across the United States because of their affordability, simply do not work on gravel roads and have difficulty counting non-motorized users and differentiating non-traditional vehicles from conventional motor vehicles. CTRA was developed and field tested at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and designed to provide a video-based data collection system that overcomes the limitations of other traffic counting devices. A count rate of 100% was achieved during the calibration process. Other than electronic hardware, most pieces of hardware can be printed on a 3D printer to form a simple and robust case and mounting system and only straps are needed to secure the counter to a fixed object. Because of its relatively simple and affordable design, CTRA could also be used for STEM and educational activities in schools and other related programs.
• Format:
  PDF
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/76943/dot_76943_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.41 MB]
• Collection(s):
  University Transportation Centers
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:4e40a7c56c534caf6cb4c4e931ce355778c35b5c104d796f2df9eebce736a526b10fed6084df008d055d4f56e6a230b81e6b819206b915021c6227ebda37c981