Project Title Research Agency Reporting Period
Puget Sound In-Vehicle Traffic Map Demonstration TRAC/University of Washington Jan 01, 2009 to Jun 30, 2009
Principal Investigator Agency Budget No. Agmt./Task No.
Hallenbeck, M. E. 63-0096 T4118-01
Other Investigator(s) Item No. Funding Source
Rutherford, G. S.   Federal
WSDOT Program Manager Start Date Schedule Status
Brodin, D.
360.705.7972 BrodinD@wsdot.wa.gov
2006-04-01 On revised schedule
Technical Contact Estimated Completion Revised Completion
Ted Trepanier
(360) 705-7280 trepant@wsdot.wa.gov
2007-10-31 2009-12-31
FHWA or Other Technical Contact Original Estimated Cost Revised Cost
Brower, M. $675,000.00 $0.00
Research Area % Funds Expended % Work Completed
Traffic & Intelligent Transportation Systems Evaluation 62.32% 85.00%
Objective

The overall objective of the Puget Sound In-Vehicle Traffic Map Demonstration project is to test the effects of in-vehicle traffic congestion information and measure the benefits accruing from those devices. The project's objectives are further subdivided into

- understanding the traveler's perceived benefits from the system,

- measuring the congestion relief benefits to the roadway system that may accrue from traveler's using traffic congestion information to avoid freeway congestion.

We also desire to learn more about how traveleres use in-vehicle information, and how the availability of congestion information changes travel behavior.

Project Progress

Progress was made on both analysis tasks on this project. The base analysis of the interaction of arterials and freeways in Bellevue was complete. A draft working paper, based on that analysis has been written and is currently under internal review. The findings were as expected. Heavy congestion on the freeways diverts traffic to the arterials. However, ramp congestion - often caused by intersection congestion just downstream of the ramps, quickly grows. As ramp congestion grows, diversion in response to the freeway congestion declines. While there is spare capacity downstream of the bottleneck intersections, in many cases it may not be possible to re-time the signals in a manner which allows the use of that "spare" capacity.

Progress was also made on the analysis of the survey results. The preliminary write up of survey results has been completed. This analysis focuses on how study participants viewed the benefits of the device tested. More detailed analysis of the day-to-day experiences of participants is underway. In addition, the study team is comparing the reported day-to-day experiences with the reported final opinion of the benefits of the device.

New Period Proposed Activity

Complete write up of the draft final report for the project. Submit that report to WSDOT for review.

Problems

No additional problems.

Implementation and Other Relevant Information

None.

Fri Aug 07 11:04:05 -0700 2009