Transportation Learning Network

Virtual Learning

MPC Research: Use of Travel Time, Travel Time Reliability, and Winter Condition Index Information for Improved Operation of Rural Interstates

  • Oct 3, 2016
    Virtual Learning (desktop/laptop and mobile devices)

The above opportunity and more can be accessed by visiting the TLN Learning Management System (LMS).

Description

The presentation will cover research methods and results of the Mountain-Plains Consortium (MPC)-386 research project on this topic. The study conducted by the University of Wyoming was intended to help develop a new methodology for incorporating road and weather condition reporting system. Bluetooth sensors and speed sensors were used to measure travel times on I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie, as well as WY-28 between Farson and Lander in Wyoming. From previous research, the distribution of travel times on I-80 show two distinct modes. Travel times from the WY-28 corridor were then calculated to determine if this trend was common with other rural highways. The next step in this research was to determine the best way to measure travel times on a rural corridor. Bluetooth sensor travel time data were compared to speed sensor travel time data. Then a travel time index was created for I-80 from one year of speed sensor data. This travel time index was then modeled with weather variables downloaded from road weather information system (RWIS) stations. Finally, a methodology for implementing and evaluating this new travel time reporting procedure was developed. The results of this research will help to improve the current condition reporting system by incorporating both physical conditions (slick in spots, high wind speed, etc.) with travel times. This will help all types of travelers to more accurately quantify the severity of traveling conditions.

Speaker(s)

Dr. Rhonda Young is an Adjunct Professor with the University of Wyoming and an Associate Professor at Gonzaga University. Young earned her undergraduate degree from Oregon State University and her graduate degrees from the University of Washington. As a professional engineer in Wyoming and Washington, she specializes in the operational side of transportation engineering.

Research Interests:

  • Using technology on our roads to make better operating decisions.
  • Truck blow-overs - looking at the wind effects on trucks.

Target Audience

Transportation maintenance coordinators, intelligent transportation system staff, research students and staff.