technology
by joel cerwick, P.E. and j.d. stokes, P.E.

Smart Highways to Revolutionize the Way We Drive

Are you one of those people who think the technology for “Smart Highways” is just around the corner? If so, you’re wrong … it’s here already!!!

For example, many new cars come equipped with the technology that will allow you to interface with the smart highways currently being built. If you’ve bought a new car lately—a 2002 Chevrolet Impala, for example—you’ve probably noticed that it might have been equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) as well as a built-in phone. The standard car radio would also be present but with an emergency message override. Before we discuss how these devices can be used, let’s first define smart highways.

Smart highways technology is the main component of what is more commonly known as Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The building blocks of ITS are:

Detection – Seeing what is happening on the transportation system (road sensors, cameras).
Communication Systems – The ability to get information and data to the people who need it (message signs, communication centers, upgraded car radios).
Action Plans – Predetermined strategies for dealing with emergencies or transportation system breakdowns (alternate routes delivered to drivers when there is a problem).
Technology – All of the tools or high-tech devices that make ITS possible.

When all the components are put together, ITS is a network of road sensors, high-tech signs, computers, communication systems, cameras—and most importantly, people—that makes driving safer and easier.

The outcome? Improving quality of life by helping people get to where they need to go … faster, safer and with less frustration. ITS means better traffic flow, less delay, fewer accidents, faster help when emergencies occur, and immediate response and warnings to drivers about any freeway accident.

Let’s return to the brand new 2002 Chevrolet Impala. Assume that it is the year 2006 and the roadways in the Kansas City area have been fully equipped with smart highways technology.

There has been an accident four miles in front of you on I-435. The GPS monitor in your car is in constant communication with a command center. You will then receive a message on the emergency override frequency on your radio warning you about a potential traffic jam ahead with instructions on alternate routes.

This is just one of a myriad of examples on how Smart Highways will make your commute faster and safer. And you won’t need one of these “smart” cars to take advantage of the system. In the example above, strategically placed message boards will change within minutes to provide critical messages to drivers approaching problem areas.

It is important to note that it will be your choice as to whether the devices in your personal vehicle are activated. Also the information will be used anonymously and only for ITS purposes and will not be given to any other agencies.

When Will Kansas City Get Smart Roads?
Work has already begun. Kansas City SCOUT is the local ITS program. A cooperative effort between the Missouri and Kansas departments of transportation, KCSCOUT is under construction and portions of the system should begin operations next year with completion scheduled for 2005 or 2006.

Planners expect KCSCOUT to move the equivalent of one or two additional lanes of traffic—without actually building the infrastructure—once it is completed.

Most transportation planners are now convinced that we can no longer “build ourselves out of congestion.” Of course some new roads will be built and lanes added. But the majority of future transportation growth will have ITS built-in.

Look carefully the next time you’re on the highways. You’ll likely see the message boards or transmission towers being built to support ITS. Smart highways are here … and here to stay.

Joel Cerwick is Infrastructure Group President and J.D. Stokes is Transportation Planner for Burns & McDonnell. They can be reached at 816.333.9400.