Under the Phase 2 study Michigan DOT and partner states identified 11 research projects to address specific objectives of their respective agencies related to ITS systems, devices and procedures. The objectives were grouped into two tiers (below): Primary Tier (projects 1-5), began in 2018 and Secondary Tier (projects 6-11), projects started in 2019-2020. Primary Tier Projects - 1. Evolution of ITS in Asset Management 2. Phasing out Legacy ITS Systems/Devices 3. Real-Time Integration of Arrow Board Messages into Traveler Information Systems - Phase III 4. Update of Rural Intersection Conflict Warning System (RICWS) Materials Developed in Phases I-III 5. ITS Infrastructure Integration into Digital Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Secondary Tier Projects - 6. Capability and Usage Guidelines for Color Changeable Message Signs. 7. Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) for ITS devices 8. Future of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) within ITS as a Platform 9. Maintenance of ITS in Rural Areas 10. Shared Use of Connected Vehicle Roadside Units 11. Use Cases and Benefits of Active Traffic Management (ATM) Strategies During the last year of the Phase 2 project the TAC approved an additional 9 projects. Anticipated completion of Phase 2 is Fall/Winter of 2021.

This proposed TPF study is a continuation of TPF-5(359) to enhance innovation in highway operations and intelligent transportation systems through research and technology transfer, as well as to continue assessing transformational technologies and their impact on the transportation industry.

TAC approved projects for Phase 3: State of the Art of Roadway Sensors - Phase 1 - There are many vendor offerings of roadway sensors either embedded in pavements or placed on the road or attached to infrastructure such as guardrails that promise to gather data and/or communicate with vehicles to aid roadway operations. As a first step, perform a literature review of existing and innovative types of these roadway sensors in, on or near the pavement and provide analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks of each type. --- Among other considerations, investigate the available research on the ability of pavement to hold up structurally and other operations and maintenance considerations. This work should consider the placement of the sensors. Reference previous pooled fund on non-intrusive detectors TPF-5(171). New Methods of Traffic Data Collection - Explore purchasing sensors as a service, using third party information, cameras as sensors, etc. Potential Approaches for Wrong Way Driving Applications – Phase 2 (continuation) - Building on interest generated during Phase 1, a proposed Phase 2 project would expand outreach efforts and initiate discussions with FHWA regarding the potential for a National Wrong-Way Driving Data Feed. Key outcomes from this work will include a summary of industry outreach and accomplishments, a concept definition for a national WWD data feed, and a final report summarizing project activities including reactions to the national WWD data feed concept per outreach conducted. Procurement Specification for Physical Security of ITS - Building on information in the Emerging Practices for Communications Infrastructure project, create a procurement specification for physical security of cabinets. Novel Uses of Unmanned Aerial Systems in ITS - As UAS usage increases, their use in monitoring road and bridge conditions remains the leading example of DOT use. However, a growing body of research has explored using them to monitor traffic and special events among other use cases which would be optimized through integration with ITS. Perform a literature review of innovative existing and proposed uses of UAS to supplement or otherwise assist with ITS and propose areas ready for real world deployments and further research needs. Capture the real-world applications of the drone usage at other agencies. Consider issues such as licenses, permits, types of drones, etc. State of the Art of Roadway Sensors – Phase 2 (continuation) - Continues from Phase 1. Expand the project up to allow the vendors to tell us how they would approach the project – assessment and test bed. Administration of Communications – Phase 1 - Looking at current communications administration to determine the state of the practice, the needs and options to address those needs. Determining the risks of models of models of administering communications – the separation of IT and ITS departments for communications management. Ensure standards are met for communications security. Something Old, Something New – New Applications of Old Technologies (Synthesis) - Survey the ITS community and determine if there are any new applications of old technology or ITS systems. Does not necessarily mean the components are old or their replacement parts. Technologies from other industries that would work as well. Can include ITS concepts and practices. Synthesis project. Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossing ITS Countermeasures - Various ITS countermeasures are available to address uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, where pedestrians’ cross roadways with free-flowing vehicles, such as flashing warning beacons, rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFB), and pedestrian hybrid beacons. Agencies often receive requests for installation of specific treatments to address a perceived problem, and there is no guidance on what type of treatment is most appropriate for the subject volume and geometric conditions...See Scope of Work- Continued

As of March 24, 2023: Commitment required updated to reflect current contract obligations. 

Throughout the duration of this study the researcher will evaluate each project and will work with the Board's respective champion(s) to establish any additional deliverables beyond final report. State partner's initial pledge commitment level is estimated at $30,000 each in FY 2022. First fiscal year of the study; we anticipate a minimum of five (5) state partners.