Traffic Congestion Data Collection and Analysis System

by Joe Palen, California Dep of Transportation, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Microcomputer Applications in Transportation III

Abstract:

The system was developed to allow traffic engineers to analyze the magnitude, duration and location of traffic congestion on highways and city streets. It is used to prioritize traffic improvement projects and to determine the effectiveness of TSM options. A laptop microcomputer is used to gather data on speed, distance, and user defined events in a traveling vehicle. This data is then analyzed and displayed in various tabular and graphical formats using a separate office computer. This system replaces an ageing mechanical tachograph that was subject to mechanical breakdown. Being entirely electronic, it has reduced data analysis time by over an order of magnitude. The Caltrans Division of Transportation Operations has projected an annual benefit of over $100,000 due to the system.

Subject Headings: Traffic congestion | Traffic analysis | Data analysis | Traffic surveys | Data collection | Computer analysis | Highways and roads

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