MASSTR

The MASSTR (Meadowlands Adaptive Signal System for Traffic Reduction) is an ongoing project for an adaptive traffic control system designed and managed by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC). The project incorporates more than 128 traffic signals in the Meadowlands region and serves more than 400,000 vehicles daily. All phases are planned to be completed by summer of 2014, with planned expansions along U.S. 1/9 Truck in Kearny and Jersey City, NJ and NJ Rt. 440 in Jersey City. It is the fourth largest[1] deployment SCATS deployment in the US.

Background

MASSTR's Adaptive Signal Control Technology (ASCT) adjusts traffic signal timings in real-time based on the flow of traffic instead of utilizing fixed or actuated timings like conventional traffic signals.[2] MASSTR is one of a number of intelligent transportation system (ITS) projects deployed throughout New Jersey.[3] MASSTR is the first implementation of SCATS (Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System) in New Jersey and the fourth largest deployment in the United States.[4]

Detection camera and radio on a traffic signal mast arm

MASSTR's adaptive signal control technology continuously coordinates and optimizes traffic signal timings instead of utilizing fixed or actuated timings. These signal timings are optimized across jurisdictional boundaries via a central computer system at a Traffic Management Center in the NJMC Complex. The NJMC's adaptive system utilizes local traffic controller and server-based adaptive traffic signal control software, wireless and fiber optic communications, and vehicle detection cameras.

Installation of the first phase of MASSTR began and was completed in 2012.[5] Construction of phases 2 and 3 of MASSTR were completed in the summer of 2013. All phases are planned to be completed by Summer 2014.[6]

An expansion of the project for the NJ Department of Transportation is currently underway[7] to mitigate future congestion from the closure of the Pulaski Skyway for reconstruction. This expansion will include signals along U.S. 1/9 Truck in Kearny and Jersey City, NJ and NJ Rt. 440 in Jersey City.[8] This expansion of the Meadowlands Adaptive Signal System is the first NJDOT-owned and operated Adaptive Traffic Signal System.[9] The closure of the Pulaski Skyway will affect 67,000 daily crossings.[10]

NJDOT and NJMC expect the Adaptive Traffic Signal Control technology will aid in maximizing the capacity and efficiency of existing travel lanes to handle increased traffic demands due to the Pulaski Skyway reconstruction project when northbound traffic will need to be diverted to alternate routes.[11]

References

  1. ↑ "Press-release of the commissioning of the project".
  2. ↑ Federal Highway Administration, "Adaptive Signal Control," http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts/technology/adsc/
  3. ↑ Intelligent Transportation Society of New Jersey, "New Jersey's ITS deployments," http://transportation.njit.edu/itsnj/resources.htm
  4. ↑ "TransCore's $3M deal", May 22, 2012, http://www.itsinternational.com/event-news/its-america-2012/transcore-wins-major-scats-deployment-contract/#sthash.tbLOlzUy.dpuf
  5. ↑ Ma, Myles, "Project to link Meadowlands traffic lights takes first step," September 12, 2012" http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2012/09/project_to_link_meadowlands_traffic_lights_takes_first_step.html
  6. ↑ Grant, Megan, "Meadowlands traffic signal project enters new phase," May 30, 2013
  7. ↑ http://www.northjersey.com/news/214239101_Meadowlands_commission_agrees_to_expand_signal_project_for_upcoming_Pulaski_Skyway_detour.html
  8. ↑ http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/works/studies/pulaski/pdf/leghear022813.pdf
  9. ↑ Frassinelli, Mike, The Star-Ledger, "N.J. Turnpike extension to open shoulder as extra lane during Pulaski Skyway repairs," September 24, 2013, http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/09/nj_turnpike_extension_to_open_shoulder_as_extra_lane_during_pulaski_skyway_repairs.html
  10. ↑ New Jersey Department of Transportation, "Pulaski Skyway Overview," http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/works/studies/pulaski/
  11. ↑ Vena, Joseph R., The Jersey Journal, "'Adaptive' signals will speed up traffic in Jersey City and Kearny during Pulaski Skyway construction," September 5, 2013

External links

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