Develop and Implement Traffic Monitoring Equipment Evaluation Facility

Project Description

The Transportation Planning and Programming Division (TPP) of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) does not have a dedicated testing facility where traffic monitoring equipment can be tested and evaluated under real weather and traffic conditions. A dedicated evaluation facility would enhance TPP¿s capabilities to conduct more rigorous evaluations leading to more informed decisions about the investment for new or replacement traffic monitoring equipment. Researchers at the Texas Transportation Institute assisted TxDOT in this project, which sought to: (1) locate and conceptually design a traffic monitoring equipment evaluation facility, (2) identify funding sources, (3) evaluate the accuracy and performance of Kistler LINEAS quartz piezoelectric sensors, and (4) gather information on the type and minimum pavement depths for weigh-in-motion sensor installation.

Researchers reviewed available literature and contacted several states. The literature search focused on general criteria for weigh-in-motion (WIM) installation. Other state departments of transportation (DOT) staff were contacted regarding facilities they use for traffic monitoring equipment testing. Researchers also interviewed TxDOT staff responsible for testing traffic monitoring equipment. Their findings concluded that the cost and accuracy of quartz piezoelectric sensors is comparable to that of bending plate systems, but the quartz piezoelectric sensors require less intensive installation methods. The in-ground evaluation at the three Texas sites indicated good condition performance of the equipment.

Among the researchers recommendations were continued planning, development, and construction of an evaluation facility; and expanding and monitoring traffic monitoring equipment studied in this project.

Project Publications

Initial Investigation for Traffic Monitoring Equipment Evaluation Facility 0-4664-1

Investigation for Traffic Monitoring Equipment Evaluation Facility 0-4664-3

Develop and Implement Traffic Monitoring Equipment Evaluation Facility 0-4664-S

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