Wavetronix Case Studies Advance Tunnel Warning System

Edit This Case Study Record

	Advance Tunnel Warning System Wavetronix

Advance Tunnel Warning System

Wavetronix

Technology Category	Sensors - Camera / Video Systems
Applicable Industries	Transportation
Applicable Functions	Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases	Traffic Monitoring
Challenge	The Oregon Department of Transportation has implemented an advance warning system that alerts drivers entering a tunnel to the presence of slow or stopped traffic at the tunnel’s exit. The system uses a combination of SmartSensor Advance and Matrix units to detect traffic; if certain conditions exist, the system activates a flashing sign that warns drivers to slow down. Transportation officials in Oregon were faced with a dangerous traffic situation at the interchange between Interstate 84 and Interstate 205 east of Portland: a significant number of rear-end collisions were occurring because drivers were unaware that traffic ahead of them had slowed or stopped. The problem occurred at a tunnel that drivers must enter to merge from westbound I-84 onto southbound I-205. There is a sharp left turn just after the tunnel and traffic often backs up to the tunnel exit, particularly during peak congestion times. Drivers entering the tunnel at full speed were unaware of conditions ahead of them, and could not see stopped traffic around the turn. Read More
About Customer	The Oregon Department of Transportation Read More
Customer Name	The Oregon Department of Transportation Read More
Solution	ODOT Signal Manager Doug Anderson worked with ATP to install two SmartSensor Advance units and one SmartSensor Matrix near the left turn: one Advance detects traffic backups on the merge ramp; the other Advance faces the tunnel exit to detect traffic speeds at the beginning of the turn; and the Matrix sensor faces east to detect traffic that has stopped in the turn. If any or all of the sensors detect slow or stopped traffic, the detection will trigger a flashing message sign at the tunnel’s entrance that warns drivers to reduce their speed. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Sensors - Camera / Video Systems

Applicable Industries

Transportation

Applicable Functions

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Traffic Monitoring

Challenge

The Oregon Department of Transportation has implemented an advance warning system that alerts drivers entering a tunnel to the presence of slow or stopped traffic at the tunnel’s exit. The system uses a combination of SmartSensor Advance and Matrix units to detect traffic; if certain conditions exist, the system activates a flashing sign that warns drivers to slow down.

Transportation officials in Oregon were faced with a dangerous traffic situation at the interchange between Interstate 84 and Interstate 205 east of Portland: a significant number of rear-end collisions were occurring because drivers were unaware that traffic ahead of them had slowed or stopped. The problem occurred at a tunnel that drivers must enter to merge from westbound I-84 onto southbound I-205. There is a sharp left turn just after the tunnel and traffic often backs up to the tunnel exit, particularly during peak congestion times. Drivers entering the tunnel at full speed were unaware of conditions ahead of them, and could not see stopped traffic around the turn.

About Customer

The Oregon Department of Transportation

Customer Name

The Oregon Department of Transportation

Solution

ODOT Signal Manager Doug Anderson worked with ATP to install two SmartSensor Advance units and one SmartSensor Matrix near the left turn: one Advance detects traffic backups on the merge ramp; the other Advance faces the tunnel exit to detect traffic speeds at the beginning of the turn; and the Matrix sensor faces east to detect traffic that has stopped in the turn. If any or all of the sensors detect slow or stopped traffic, the detection will trigger a flashing message sign at the tunnel’s entrance that warns drivers to reduce their speed.

Download PDF Version

Overview

Advance Tunnel Warning System