Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Future ITS Activities

Several projects are being planned for future deployment. Brief descriptions are given here; however, these do not constitute commitments on the part of Iowa DOT. For more information, contact Willy Sorenson, ITS Engineer, 515-239-1212.

Iowa City I-80 Reconstruction
As reconstruction of I-80 around Iowa City proceeds, ITS devices will be required to improve safety by assisting with incident management and traffic flow. The deployment will also help address existing daily congestion on I-80 and I-380 and special event needs generated by University of Iowa athletic events.

The technology in the project may include pan-tilt-zoom cameras, traffic sensors, dynamic message signs (DMS), and highway advisory radio (HAR) transmitters. Using a combination of wireless and fiber optic communications, these devices will be tied together by the traffic management software to form a network of technology which can be used to control the devices, manage traffic situations and provide timely information to the traveling public.

Rest Area Dynamic Message Signs
This project involves deployment of interior, small-scale DMS (4 feet across) at rest areas and welcome centers across Iowa. These signs have three primary information uses: AMBER alerts, weather-related road conditions, and road construction. AMBER Alert information refers visitors to nearby internet kiosks. Road construction information will linked with the 511 travel information system. Road weather condition information will also be linked with 511. When the signs are not being used for AMBER Alerts, time/temp will be displayed, as well as road construction/condition information.

Primary Road ITS Implementation
This project is in the early planning stages. The purpose is to deploy ITS on selected primary roads to assist in the collection and dissemination of information to the public. ITS devices would also assist traffic engineers, emergency responders and DOT maintenance staff as they handle incident management, work zones, traffic management, weather events, and special events coordination. Other unique applications being considered are warnings on ramps, railroad crossings, special school zone signs, swing bridges, animal crossings, and fog or high wind areas.

Council Bluffs Incident Management
This project is also in the early planning stages. It will include installation of cameras along Council Bluffs streets and at interchanges with I-29/80 to assist in incident management. This system will be used as a part of the much larger future ITS project.