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ITE Traffic Incident
Management E-mail Discussion Group Digest #18
December 28, 1999 to January 14, 2000
This digest contains the following messages:
#1. RE:
Information Needed - from
Althauser, Gerry
#2. TIM: Information Needed -Reply - from
Kurt Aufschneider
#3. CTDOT Traffic Cams - from
Dan Howard
#4. RE: RE: Information Needed - from
Franklin, Robert B
#5. RE: RE: RE: Information Needed - from
O'Laughlin, John B.
#6. Re: TIM: RE: RE: Information Needed - from
Dick Raub
#7. RE: Information Needed - from
Franklin, Robert B
#8. Re: TIM: RE: Information Needed - from
Ann R. Lorscheider
#9. RE: Information Needed - from
DuFresne, Jon C.
#10. Prototype Simplified Access Web Page for the
ITS-EDL - from
Chuck Miller
#11. TIM: STEER IT, CLEAR IT!! - from
Corbin, John
#12. Re: TIM: Information Needed - from
Steve Cummins
#13. TIM: INTL ASSOC OF CHIEFS OF POLICE - HWY SAFETY
DESK REFERENCE - from
Corbin, John
#14. Multiple Cell 911 Calls - from
Dick Raub
#15. Re: TIM: Multiple Cell 911 Calls - from
David Kelley
Disclaimer: Topics
that do not pertain to Traffic Incident Management have been omitted from
the discussion group digests to save the reader time when reviewing
messages, and to save space on the web server. See
Discussion Group Etiquette for examples of
other reasons a message may have been omitted from a digest.
-------------------- 1 --------------------
#1. RE: Information Needed - from
Althauser, Gerry
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Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 16:33:57 -0800
From: "Althauser, Gerry" <AlthauG@wsdot.wa.gov>
Subject: RE: Information Needed
The State of Washington does not use the mile post signs as incident
detection markers. Most detection is done by cross street locations.
Washington is leaning towards the high tech electronic devices to
locate incidents in the future, such as Mayday devices.
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#2. TIM: Information Needed -Reply - from
Kurt Aufschneider
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Date: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 10:06:19 -0500
From: Kurt Aufschneider <KurtAufschneider@dot.state.nj.us>
Subject: TIM: Information Needed -Reply
Yes there needs to be a change to the MUCTD relative to 1/10 mile markers.
In New Jersey, the emergency response community was quite clear that
locating incidents was a big problem for both the caller and the
responder. So, several years ago, as part of the New Jersey
Statewide Incident Management Program, the FHWA agreed to fund the
placement of 1/10 mile markers on Interstate/Freeways in New Jersey.
However, there was a conflict with the MUCTD, in that there is a specific
design for mile markers which did not lend itself to placing those rather
large mile marker signs every 1/10 mile. We designed a new marker
and installed them every 1/10 mile, with the even miles keeping the
standard MUCTD mile marker. The design was adopted from what has
been used on the New Jersey Turnpike for many years. The design is
as follows:
text - white,
background - green,
5 inch wide by 24 inch high (for a two digit mile) panel,
top 5 inches is white retro reflective sheeting,
next 11-1/2 inches contains 2- 4 inch "D" numbers showing the mile,
next is a ½ inch white retro reflective stripe separating the mile from
the 1/10 mile,
and the bottom 7 inches contains 1- 4 inch "D" number showing the tenth.
These are placed off the right shoulder in both directions. On
land service roads, we place one of these at each half mile interval.
Not only does the emergency response community love these signs, it also
helps the police provide us better accident statistics by locating the
accident better.
Kurt Aufschneider
Traffic Operations Manager
NJDOT
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#3. CTDOT Traffic CAMs - from
Dan Howard
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Date: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 16:47:29 -0500
From: Dan Howard <dhoward@gw.dot.state.ny.us>
Subject: CTDOT Traffic CAMs
FYI - Connecticut DOT now has snapshot images of its CCTV cameras
available for view on the web. This URL was (surprisingly) provided
to me by a non-DOT/Traffic acquaintance:
http://www.state.ct.us/dot/bureau/eh/maint/im/
camera/imcamera/index.html
Dan Howard
Operations Engineer
Capital Region TMC
Albany, NY
http://www.troopers.state.ny.us/TMC/TMCINDEX.html
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#4. RE: RE: Information Needed - from
Franklin, Robert B
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Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2000 13:35:02 -0700
From: "Franklin, Robert B" <robert.b.franklin@lmco.com>
Subject: RE: RE: Information Needed
Having been associated (somewhat at a distance) TRW's work on mileposts in
Cincinnati my guess is that the cellular location will not obviate the
need and value for the mileposts as a reporting device. There is no
guarantee that everyone will have a phone soooooo....
Tip
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#5. RE: RE: RE: Information Needed - from
O'Laughlin, John B.
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Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2000 15:53:43 -0500
From: "O'Laughlin, John B." <OLAUGHLIN@pbworld.com>
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Information Needed
Just a few thoughts. The programs to put mileposts in the
median every one or two tenths of a mile should continue. Even if
the cellular location program due in 2002 works to perfection, it will
tell you where the phone is, not the incident. If the motorist is
moving while the call is made and possibly transferred, which will delay
the ability to identify the call location, the caller could be well over a
mile away when the call is answered.
The other issue is the cost and time involved to equip each 911 center
with the equipment to determine the locations. Enhanced 911 programs
often required local bond issues to get the millions required to upgrade
the systems. I don't know all the issues or costs, but, just because
the cell company will be able to locate cell phones, doesn't necessarily
mean the 911 center will be able to.
Finally, there are a large number of non-emergency calls for service from
vehicles needing a tow, gas, or other help. Those calls require
sending service from private tows or other sources that could benefit by
the better mileposts. I recently taught a workshop in an area with
the new signs and the AAA representative indicated they have helped
significantly in getting assistance to the right location in a timely
manner.
Happy New Year to all.
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#6. Re: TIM: RE: RE: Information Needed - from
Dick Raub
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Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2000 15:35:16 -0600
From: Dick Raub <raraub@nwu.edu>
Subject: Re: TIM: RE: RE: Information Needed
From what I heard about Cincinnati, Ohio has a resident who believes that
the mile markers were installed to help guide the UN troops through the
city.
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#7. RE: Information Needed - from
Franklin, Robert B
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Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2000 15:56:16 -0700
From: "Franklin, Robert B" <robert.b.franklin@lmco.com>
Subject: RE: Information Needed
Jon:
How did the folks in Cincy and Indy obtain an exception to the rule when
they installed the tenth mile markers. If memory serves me this was an
issue when they were installed. I think they got around the MUTCD
stipulation by referring to them as location markers vice mile markers.
Tip
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-------------------- 8 --------------------
#8. Re: TIM: RE: Information Needed - from
Ann R. Lorscheider
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Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2000 19:59:38 -0500
From: "Ann R. Lorscheider" <alorscheider@dot.state.nc.us>
Subject: Re: TIM: RE: Information Needed
Jon:
Judging by the responses, it's obvious that every state is out there doing
something slightly different, so a change in the MUTCD for consistency
sake probably is required. (Preferably with a couple different
options) NC is installing 1/10 mile markers on some of its urban
interstates and major freeways similar to the design of some of our east
coast neighbors. But on I-95 we went with larger dual mounted
markers in the median at 1/2 mile spacing due to the impact closer spaced
markers would have on the mowing operations (less posts also made it
cheaper). Both types of markers also have direction (and we'd all
love to hear new theories on why people traveling from New England to
Florida don't know they've been on 95S for the last 700 miles!)
As to whether or not this is a moot point with the emerging cell location
technology - I agree with whoever made the comment that they might be ten
miles down the road before they called it in. Also, on many of both
our rural routes and in some of the metro corridors with large truck
percentages, we still monitor CB to listen for incident reports from the
truckers (and they usually know exactly what milepost its at and they can
always be relied on to know which direction they're headed). It
would be nice to think all reports will be made via cellular in two years
but our maintenance fleets and many of our patrol vehicles who are also
making these reports are lucky to have working radios, so we still need to
enable more accurate verbal reports and not hope to rely solely on cell
technology.
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#9. RE: Information Needed - from
DuFresne, Jon C.
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Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2000 08:02:21 -0500
From: "DuFresne, Jon C." <dufresne_jc@vdot.state.va.us>
Subject: RE: Information Needed
Virginia is currently using white on green 1/10 mile markers on the right
along our Interstate system. The justification for their
installation came
from the fire, police, rescue and towing communities that need an accurate
incident location in order to respond without wasting time while trying to
find the crash scene.
Jon DuFresne
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-------------------- 10 --------------------
#10. Prototype Simplified Access Web Page for the ITS-EDL
- from Chuck Miller
Top
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2000 13:17:05 -0600 (CST)
From: Chuck Miller <cmiller@vuse.vanderbilt.edu>
Subject: Prototype Simplified Access Web Page for the ITS-EDL
Early in December, John Corbin posted a message to this email list server
that directed people to review a prototype simplified access point to the
ITS Electronic Document Library (ITS-EDL). The idea was that the Web
page would be linked to from the TIM Committee Web page.
Based on several comments received, some minor revisions have been made
to the prototype Web page. The revisions were made in an attempt to
clarify the purpose of the web page. The purpose is to highlight
some of the most widely applicable traffic incident management related
documents available from the ITS-EDL. The purpose is not to
recreate the ITS-EDL's document archiving or search capabilities.
To this end, the prototype has been renamed "VIRTUAL BOOKSHELF", the
text describing the site is enhanced and a more obvious link to the
ITS-EDL is provided.
Since the Committee may have an opportunity to discuss the value and
function of this type of simplified ITS-EDL access, I am retransmitting
the URL of the prototype Web page. I am also posing my original list
of issues for discussion. My hope is that some Committee member will
have a chance to review the site before the Committee meeting at TRB.
http://www.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/~cmiller/
TIMWEB/Prototype.htm
Several issues that need discussion are:
1) Is a Web site with links to documents focused on traffic incident
management of benefit to Committee members and others?
2) How will documents be identified for posting on the Web site?
3) Will links only be provided to documents at the EDL?
4) What categories should be used?"
***********************************************
Charles A. Miller, Ph.D., P.E., AICP
Vanderbilt University
Box 1625, Station B
Nashville, Tennessee 37235
Phone: (615) 322-0430
Fax: (615) 322-3365
Email: cmiller@mailhost.vuse.vanderbilt.edu
**********************************************
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#11. TIM: STEER IT, CLEAR IT!! - from
Corbin, John
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Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2000 18:10:14 -0600
From: "Corbin, John" <john.corbin@dot.state.wi.us>
Subject: TIM: STEER IT, CLEAR IT!!
Thanks for the article below from
transport-communications@egroups.com
http://www.seattlep-i.com/local/crsh05.shtml
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#12. Re: TIM: Information Needed - from
Steve Cummins
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Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2000 15:33:25 -0500
From: "Steve Cummins" <stevec@lfucg.com>
Subject: Re: TIM: Information Needed
> Information Requested: In assist with identifying the current
> state-of-the-practice with the use of mile post signs in detecting
roadway
> incidents, the following information is requested:
>
> -Has your agency installed modified mile post signs to enhance incident
> detection?
Yes, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG), in
cooperation with the FHWA and KDOT, installed 0.2 mile "Enhanced
Reference Markers (ERM)" on Interstates 64 and 75 throughout the
Lexington, Kentucky Metropolitan area. In addition to these signs,
"Ramp Designation Signs (RDS)" were installed on each respective off and
on ramps throughout the same Interstate system in Fayette County,
Kentucky. These signs were installed as part of a
Demonstration Project.
> -Is your agency currently planning to install modified mile post
signs to
> enhance incident detection?
Some discussion has arisen in our monthly Incident Management
Committee meeting concerning incidents on KY4 which circles around the
city of Lexington and is primarily classified as a 4-lane freeway
with limited access for 3/4 of its length.
> -What design is being used? Or planning to be used?
The current design of the Interstate ERMs is 18"x48" blanks
with high-intensity green background, a 12-inch Interstate shield and
8-inch Highway "C" characters. The signs are installed on square
posts on either barrier walls or the shoulder of the interstate.
The RDS design is 30"x30" blank with high-intensity green background
and 4-inch Highway "D" characters. The signs are installed along
the right shoulder of each entrance and exit ramp.
> -Is the route number being displayed and how?
Yes, a 12-inch shield is displayed on each ERM under the direction of
travel, which is displayed as a single direction character (e.g. N, S,
E, or W). The display reads from top to bottom (for
example):
N (I75 shield)
115
8
Yes, on the RDS, the route number is spelled out (e.g. for
motorists exiting eastbound Interstate 64 onto Kentucky State Route 857,
the RDS would display "Ramp E-64 To KY857."
> -Size of letters and sign?
Refer to text noted above.
> -Color of sign?
Refer to text noted above.
> -What spacing is being used for the sign?
The ERM signs are 0.2 mile apart and the RDS spacing is approximately
every 500 feet along the entrance and exit ramps.
> -Where are the signs being installed (right or left hand shoulders)?
Primarily, the ERM signs are installed along the left shoulder on
Interstate 75 and the right shoulder on Interstate 64.
Interstate 75 typically has a center barrier wall throughout, while
Interstate 64 has a large grass median separating opposing directions of
travel.
The RDSs are installed exclusively on the right shoulders of the
respective ramps.
> -What was the justification or basis for establishing the design for
the
> modified mile post sign?
The design was tailored after signs that had previously been
installed in a demonstration project for the Northern Kentucky and
Cincinnati, Ohio area. However, we used a green background rather
than the blue background that was used in that project.
> -What impact have the modified mile post signs had on the performance
of your
> agency or regions detection of incidents? Benefit to the overall
incident
> management program?
The ERMs and RDSs have reduced the response time for emergency
vehicles by providing the responding agency a more clearly defined
location of the incident. This is important as there are numerous
ramps throughout the Lexington Metropolitan area that could be used for
access to the interstates. However, with a center barrier wall
dividing a majority of the interstate miles through our county, if the
emergency vehicles get on the interstate at an inappropriate
interchange relative to the incident, they may in fact not be able to
reach the incident scene. Every second counts on interstate
incidents and the signs have been an asset to emergency response
personnel.
> -Will technology and the regulations requiring the automated location
> identification of cell phone calls, replace the need to use mile post
signs to
> support or enhance incident detection?
I do not believe so, but identification systems used with respect to
cell phones may further help in locating incident scenes.
If you need further information concerning LFUCG ERM/RDS signing,
please email me SteveC@LFUCG.com or
call me at (606) 381-8179.
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#13. TIM: INTL ASSOC OF CHIEFS OF POLICE - HWY SAFETY
DESK REFERENCE - from
Corbin, John
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Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2000 19:46:47 -0600
From: "Corbin, John" <john.corbin@dot.state.wi.us>
Subject: TIM: INTL ASSOC OF CHIEFS OF POLICE - HWY SAFETY DESK REFERENCE
The IACP has a copy of their Highway Safety Desk Reference accessible
through their web site (
http://www.theiacp.org/ ). The desk reference is at
http://www.bts.gov/ntl/DOCS/deskbk.html
Note coverage of Freeway Incident Management, Enforcement-Engineering
Liaisons, etc.
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#14. Multiple Cell 911 Calls - from
Dick Raub
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Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 12:50:14 -0600
From: Dick Raub <raraub@nwu.edu>
Subject: Multiple Cell 911 Calls
I am seeking any work that has been done directed toward reducing the
multiplicity of cell 911 calls for incidents (or the need to answer such
multiple calls). We are looking to increase the number of of PSAP's
for cell 911 in a highly congested, multiple police agency corridor.
The problem now is that the one agency that handles cell 911 must take
time from their dispatching duties to answer multiple calls. Other
agencies do not want the same problems.
Dick
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#15. Re: TIM: Multiple Cell 911 Calls - from
David Kelley
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Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 11:28:32 -0800
From: DavidKelley@socketcity.com (David Kelley)
Subject: Re: TIM: Multiple Cell 911 Calls
I would strongly recommend you give a look at the 911 discussion forums
and speak with the network group of the NENA-911 standards committee.
They have a number of active discussion going on the subject handling a
multiple of calls relating to a similar incident.
The key points of contract for this would be:
The NENA list To subscribe to this list, send a message to
dispatch@911Central.com
and in the Subject or Body of the message, type subscribe 911talk.
The technical Chair of the NENA network committee: Bob
Gojanovich 732-743-6366
They have a discussion list at "NENA Network/Wireless Committee" <<network@911Central.com> but I am
unsure if you must also be a member to be on it.
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