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Wireless Traffic Signal Communication System Fort Bend County 1/12/2015 3:52:10 PMProject Narrative
Fort Bend County (the "County") has experienced rapid growth and this growth is projected to continue. This growth leads to traffic congestion, creating a greater need to actively monitor and control the roadway and traffic signals. A County wide communication system will be established to allow County personnel to actively manage the roadway system. Phase I of the system will be located in the northern part of Fort Bend County, which contains ninety percent (90%) of the County controlled traffic signals . This part of the County is more urbanized and experiences higher levels of congestion. Therefore, the County needs to have access to the traffic signals under County control to provide improved mobility in the area. Future expansion of the communication system will occur with growth. Major expansions of the system to other parts of the County (i.e. Phase II) will be included in future TIP call for projects. The proposed Wireless Traffic Signal Communication System (the "Project") would provide monitoring and control for 90% of the County controlled traffic signals. Future expansion phases would bring the remaining outlying signals into the system. Video cameras would be used to monitor traffic congestion and make signal timing modifications as needed. This would reduce traffic congestion and delays. The proposed improvements include upgrading/replacing the traffic signal controllers, installing Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) cameras, wireless communication equipment, high site towers and Traffic Management Center (TMC) equipment. Wireless communication may use existing public bands (2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz), WiMAX, licensed bands, technology still in development, or a combination of these communication options. Some short fiber optic connections may also be included in the project. Towers may be required to act as high sites for the communication backbone if existing towers or tall buildings are not available. The Precinct 3 building located at the northeast corner of SH 99 at FM 1093 will be the primary location where the wireless data is transferred to the County's communication network. A long range microwave transmission may also be used to transfer the wireless data directly to the County's TMC. The TMC will be located at the County's Public Transportation Administration building, which is funded through a separate project. Final site assessment for this building is in progress and it will be located near the University of Houston - Sugar Land campus or near the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. The space for the TMC is included in the planning for the building. Fiber optic communication has been considered but would result in a higher cost due to the broad area to be covered. Fiber optic connections may be added in the future to provide higher capacity and redundancy for the system. Short range wireless connection may also be considered for closely spaced intersections with cell modem or leased fiber optic connections but this would result in a monthly fee from the private communication companies.Project Narrative
No Categorical Exclusion (CE) (c)(21) Deployment of electronics, photonics, communications, or information processing No 01/02/2016 Yes 6 30/08/2016 No There should not be any utility relocation for this project. No No previous public involvement. Commissioners Court will approve the TIP submittal to show support for the Project. to A workshop will be held at Commissioners Court to provide information about the project during the design process. Commissioners Court Agenda and request for modeling attached.Map/Location
Project Budget
Application ID 300495 (ITS) Project Budget.pdf
Yes NoScreening Questions
Yes While some equipment will need to be changed or replaced due to failure, most of the equipment should have an operational life of ten years or more.Evalutation Questions - ITS Projects
Benefit /Cost Methodology
H-GAC to conduct analysis based on the GIS/map project location and project scope information provided above.
Congestion Safety
Incident/Event Management
Yes; The operator can use the PTZ cameras to quickly determine location and cause of delays, notify appropriate emergency personnel if needed, and adjust traffic signal timing from the Traffic Management Center (TMC). This will allow for faster response to clear roadway blockages and provide signal adjustments to clear residual traffic queues.; Yes; The traffic signals along SH 99 from US 59 to FM 1093 would be included in the system. Cameras would also be added north of FM 1093 and access provided to TxDOT. Communication to the traffic signals could also be provided through the communication system through an interlocal agreement. SH 99 is on the CMP.; Yes; Alerts could be sent out to the public related to blocked lanes or extensive delays though text messages or mobile applications. Bluetooth or other data could be collected to develop a Houston TranStar type map for the thoroughfares included in the system. While locations for dynamic message signs are not currently identified, they may be added during design. Possible locations include along SH 99 and FM 1093/Westpark Toll Road. ; Yes; Emergency pre-emption is already included on most County traffic signals and would be added to any without it.; Yes; County Public Transportation vehicles will be given priority as needed to maintain schedules. Cameras feeds and transit information from the proposed Westpark Park & Ride site located on FM 1093 between Grand Mission Boulevard and Mason Road would also be provided on a webpage or mobile application. ; Yes; Staff will monitor cameras, report incidents, and adjust traffic signal timing to address travel time delays. Example: the SH 99 (northbound) to IH-10 (eastbound) direct connector is closed due to a vehicle crash. Alerts would be sent out to the mobile devices and traffic signal timing on the Westheimer Parkway, Fry Road, Peek Road, and Mason Road would be adjusted to accommodate additional traffic. ;Coordination
System Migration/Expandability
Yes; Since much of the area covered by the Project is within the City of Houston Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), consideration will be given to extending the current WiMax system. However, other options will be evaluated as this area is unlikely to be annexed during the life of the equipment. The video from the cameras will be shared with other agencies (TxDOT, cities, etc.). ; Yes; PTZ camera control and point to point communication will be open architecture. Replacement of all traffic signal controllers and cabinets to an open architecture (2070 platform) would result in substantially higher project cost. ;Integration and Information Sharing
AND, System allows for control by another agency in the event of a primary agency loss of system control; Intent would be to provide access and control to TxDOT if desired by TxDOT. Control would also be shared with the City of Sugar Land in their ETJ. Other agencies can be added at their request.; Yes; Bluetooth travel time information will be collected and displayed on a webpage. Mobile apps may also be developed. ; Yes; Travel times between strategic points will be collected and a running average calculated. Each day can then be tracked against the average. Also, most traffic signal controllers can provide counts from the vehicle detection. With the ability to access that data over the Wireless Network, counts can be collected, stored, and analyzed to determine trends.;Asset Mgmt/Efficient Operations
Continuity Operations
Yes; The Project will allow for faster identification of disruptions by sending alerts if the average travel times exceed normal by a certain percentage. Staff can then dispatch appropriate responders and equipment, and providing the information to the traveling public. ; Yes; Camera feeds will be provided to TxDOT and other agencies. This information can be especially useful during an evacuation or other major event.; Yes; Incidents will be identified quicker and steps can be taken to reduce delays and speed recovery. Alerts can be sent directly to signal technicians rather than relying on drivers to call in any signal issues.;