Application of I S to Manage raffic at a Calgary Rail Crossing

摘要

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have the potential to improve the safety andrnefficiency of traffic management when normal flow is interrupted by at-grade railrncrossings. The City of Calgary has turned to an ITS solution to manage traffic problemsrncaused by an at-grade rail crossing.rnBarlow Trail is a significant arterial connecting the Deerfoot Trail freeway with anrnimportant industrial area. Rail cars can block Barlow Trail for periods of up to 30rnminutes resulting in long delays for motorists and the development of long queuesrnextending back to the freeway exit ramp, causing concerns for the safety and mobility ofrnmotorists.rnTo address the concerns of safety and mobility at this site, the City of Calgary hasrninvested in an innovative traffic management system. The purpose of the system is torndetect congested conditions due to a road blockage, provide advance warning to motoristsrnto allow them to avoid the congested area, alter traffic control to reduce additionalrncongestion, and implement appropriate queue clearing strategies to restore normal trafficrnflow as quickly as possible.rnThe solution required the integration of several available technologies to detect currentrnconditions, determine appropriate actions, and enact the management strategy. Therntechnologies included video traffic detection, wireless communication, traffic signalrncontrol, and portable changeable message signs. This paper will provide information onrnthe existing site conditions and traffic problems and a description of the solution that wasrnimplemented including the technology and management strategy.