Letter and Report - Innovation and Technology Transportation Fund (January 24, 2020)
Summary
A letter dated January 24, 2020 from Stephen C. Brich, P.E., Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, to Governor Ralph S. Northam and members of the Virginia General Assembly. It provides the annual report on the use of moneys in the Innovation and Technology Transportation Fund (ITTF), which the letter says are to be used solely for pilot programs and fully developed initiatives pertaining to high-tech infrastructure improvements. The attached report states that there are currently thirty-nine projects included in the ITTF program, of which thirteen were added with the approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Board in June 2019. It describes the Northern Virginia Regional Multi-Modal Mobility Program and includes project tables.
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“Letter and Report - Innovation and Technology Transportation Fund (January 24, 2020).”
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COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
1401 EAST BROAD STREET
RICHMOND, VIRG INIA 23219-2000
Stephen C. Brich, P.E.
COMMISSIONER
January 24, 2020
The Honorable Governor Ralph S. Northam
Members of the Virginia General Assembly
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
Section 33 .2-1531 of the Code of Virginia directs the Commissioner of Highways to report annually on
the use of moneys in the Innovation and Technology Transportation Fund (ITTF). This letter provides the
information as required by the statute.
ITTF monies are to be used solely for the purposes of funding pilot programs and fully developed
initiatives pertaining to high-tech infrastructure improvements that reduce congestion, improve mobility,
improve safety, provide up-to-date travel data, or improve emergency response.
The current estimated total value of allocations for projects eligible for ITTF funding ('·(TTF Projects") is
$122.9 mi Ilion. This number consists of$ I 07 million, which was allocated to the ITTF for FY 2019
through FY 2024 by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) pursuant to an action dated June
19, 2018, and $15.9 million of allocations/projections of the CTB pursuant to the portion of the
alternative CTB formula dedicated to smart roadway technology projects, prior to enactment of the ITTF,
for FY 2019 through FY 2020.
The attached report provides a status update on active projects funded prior to July 2019 and a description
of projects approved by the CTB in June 2019.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Cathy McGhee, PE, Director of Research and
Innovation at catby.rncghee(al,vdot. virginia.gov or 804-916-9508, or me.
Sincerely,
~Stephen C. Brich, P.E.
Attachment
Cc: The Honorable Ms. Shannon Valentine
Cathy McGhee, PE
VirginiaDOT.org
WE KEEP VIRGINIA MOVING
Innovation and Technology Transportation Fund
Report to the General Assembly
Section 33.2-1531 of the Code of Virginia establishes the Innovation and Technology
Transportation Fund (ITTF). ITTF monies are to be used solely for the purposes of funding pilot
programs and fully developed initiatives pertaining to high-tech infrastructure improvements that
reduce congestion, improve mobility, improve safety, provide up-to-date travel data, or improve
emergency response. There are currently thirty-nine projects included in the ITTF program. Of
those, thirteen were added with the approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB)
in June 2019.
This report provides an update of the earlier twenty-six projects and descriptions of the new
projects. The graphic below categorizes the new projects according to the ITTF goals that each
project will contribute.
Northern Virginia Regional Multi-Modal Mobility Program
Regional Multi-Modal Mobility Program (RM3P) will take a collaborative, integrated, and
cohesive approach to improve safety, accessibility, and mobility, and mitigate congestion for the
traveling public in the Commonwealth of Virginia, especially in the Northern Virginia region.
RM3P will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to extract
information from multiple data sources to provide real-time information for both system operators
and the traveling public. The overall program includes five separate but interrelated projects
including the development of:
• Data lake/data store
• Parking availability system to facilitate carpooling and transit use
• Mobility as a service (MaaS) dashboard to identify gaps in service that limit transit use
• Decision support tools that create information from multiple data sources
• Commuter incentive program that will reduce congestion during the worst travel
conditions by encouraging commuters to travel at a different time, take a different route,
or use a different mode
A high level schedule for RM3P is provided below.
Performance Parking in Commercial Corridors
Arlington County experiences high levels of both commuter and commercial traffic. This project
will target increases in efficiency for parking in two Metrorail corridors. Smart parking meters
will be deployed, along with data-driven variable pricing and real-time information, to optimize
utilization of parking spaces and reduce congestion that results from motorists searching for
available parking. A similar program in San Francisco resulted in 25% fewer miles traveled, a
reduction in parking search times by 43%, and a 30% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
Concerns about significant increases in parking costs were shown to be unfounded in San
Francisco where average parking rates actually declined. This project will be managed locally by
Arlington County and is expected to kick off in mid-2020.
I-95 Variable Speed Limits
The Interstate 95 (I-95) corridor is one of the busiest commuter corridors in the Commonwealth
while also serving a high number of long-distance travelers. As a result, significant congestion
occurs both during the weekday peak periods and during weekend travel times. In general,
solutions to commuter-based congestion are different than solutions that target congestion
stemming from weekend or long distance travel patterns. Variable speed limits (VSL), or “speed
harmonization,” is a solution that can target both forms of travel delay. By managing the flow of
traffic, VSLs can decrease the impact of queueing by reducing the speed of traffic as it approaches
a slowdown. Slowing traffic down gradually – rather than having hard braking at the end of a
queue – keeps the overall traffic stream moving smoother and reduces the frequency of rear-end
collisions. VSL deployments in Germany have resulted in 5-15% reductions in travel time, 30%
reductions in crashes, and 5% increases in throughput. It should be noted that many European
countries that experience these benefits have automated speed enforcement as a key part of their
deployments. When VSL was deployed on I-66 in Northern Virginia several years ago, benefits
were limited due to low rates of compliance with posted speeds. The I-95 deployment will include
speed-monitoring capability combined with vehicle identification so that individual drivers can be
contacted and provided educational information regarding the benefits of VSL. The compliance
data collected will also be useful in determining ways to make VSL more effective in Virginia.
The I-95 VSL project will be coordinated with other projects identified through the I-95 corridor
improvement study. Anticipated start date for project design is summer 2020.
Interstate 81 Operational Improvements
The I-81 Corridor Improvement Study identified a number of operational improvements that
would enhance incident management and reduce delays. Many of these improvements included
the deployment of additional field devices, such as cameras and dynamic message signs, to detect
problems and disseminate real-time information to the public. Funds allocated through the ITTF
program will seek to use those devices and the data they collect to further improve traffic flow and
safety throughout the corridor. Several emphasis areas have been identified for consideration
including:
• Commercial vehicle operations and safety
o Truck parking
o Decision support/routing
o Speed differentials
• Incident and work zone management
o Real-time information
o Diversion route operations (including traffic signals)
o Predictive data analytics
• Speed management and enforcement
• Queue warning and management
The I-81 ITTF operational improvement project will be coordinated with the overall I-81 Corridor
Improvement program and will be underway in early 2020.
Interstate 64 Operational Improvements
I-64 west of Charlottesville experiences a higher than normal crash rate. A steep grade, frequent
fog, and a high number of animal-vehicle collisions all contribute to the crash rate. A number of
potential improvements have been considered to enhance safety through the corridor. “Smart”
roadway lighting and a congestion management system, including cameras and dynamic message
signs, were determined to be the most effective options, given the characteristics of the corridor.
The I-64 operational improvements are part of a larger corridor safety improvement program that
will kick off in mid-2020.
Data Analytics for Safety
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), like other state DOTs, uses a wealth of data
to identify safety challenges and appropriate mitigation strategies. Traditionally, this information
has focused on historical traffic and crash data. More recently, the addition of other data sources
has proven beneficial in determining both safety priorities as well as ways to address them. For
example, pavement friction data combined with crash data has been valuable in identifying
locations at which high friction surfaces can greatly reduce the occurrence of roadway departure
crashes. This project will explore a variety of additional data sources, including census data, land
use data, enhanced weather data, special event data, alcohol data (locations of sales and use),
health-related data, and data from the Department of Education to identify correlations with
roadway safety. AI and machine learning will be applied to the data to create information
regarding crash likelihood and potential mitigation strategies that could be beneficial in reducing
crash risk.
The scope for the initial build of the platform has been drafted and work will be underway in early
2020.
Arterial Operations Dashboard
The “Arterial Operations Dashboard” is a reporting tool that can provide travel time information
and signal performance information in a single tool. The tool will be implemented on arterials
across the Commonwealth, beginning with the Corridors of Statewide Significance (CoSS). This
24/7 performance data will facilitate better management of arterials during incidents on the
interstates when there are detours and rerouting of traffic, as well as for general everyday use. It
is important to note that the tool can be applied to signals owned and operated by our locality
partners in addition to VDOT signals.
Overall, the arterial operations dashboard will:
• leverage ongoing efforts to upgrade signal controllers and deploy a central signal system
to provide performance metrics on arterials statewide that enable improved real-time
operations;
• provide metrics on signal performance and travel time reliability in one tool; and
• begin with an initial deployment on 70 corridor segments (1,128 intersections), including
corridors through about 50 localities and towns.
The arterial operations dashboard project will be integrated into the deployment of the statewide
central signal software platform. Anticipated deployment is in late 2020.
High Speed Communications for Signalized Intersections
VDOT currently operates and maintains over 3,000 signalized intersections across the
Commonwealth. In addition to being vital to normal operations on the arterial network, those
intersections are often required to serve much higher volumes of traffic when an incident or other
special event occurs. The ability to respond to changes in demand, modify signal timing
parameters in real time, and monitor the flow of traffic is critical from both a local operations and
system-wide perspective. Currently, approximately 35% of VDOT traffic signals lack sufficient
communications to operate at peak efficiency. A communications master plan has been developed,
which identifies gaps in VDOT’s communications network – including these intersections – and
an implementation plan is under development that will prioritize the elimination of those gaps.
When complete, this effort will contribute to enhanced incident management, improved safety and
operations, and reduced overall agency costs by eliminated leased lines.
This will be an ongoing effort, beginning in mid-2020.
Parking Demand Management System
There are a number of park-and-ride lots in the I-95 corridor
that serve the Virginia Railway Express. As commuters
approach these lots, there is currently no information
available on the status of parking availability. This project
will deploy sensors at the entrance and exit points of the
parking lots to determine the number of available spaces in
real time. Dynamic message signs will be deployed to provide
information prior to the exit. Additionally, the data will be
made available for third-party applications that can more
broadly disseminate the data.
This project will begin in early 2020.
Cybersecurity Enhancements for Operations Technology
VDOT’s operations program includes a large number of field devices, and each of those is a
potential point of vulnerability if the proper cybersecurity controls and processes are not in place.
This project will contribute to a larger effort of fully securing the Operations Technology network.
Full design of all mitigation strategies is underway, with completion expected in June 2021.
Pilot Program for Innovation
A number of small companies located in Virginia are creating innovative solutions to many of the
transportation challenges we face. This program will provide VDOT with the opportunity to
partner with the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) to put out calls for solutions to specific
challenges among CIT’s network of small and start-up, Virginia-based companies. Responses
would then be evaluated, and one or more would be selected for piloting and evaluation. The
Commonwealth Transportation Board Innovation and Technology Subcommittee will help to
determine the highest priority challenges and the potential innovations to pilot. This will have
dual benefits of both improving transportation and providing economic development opportunities
to Virginia companies.
Design of the program evaluation criteria is underway, and the first round of concept solicitations
is anticipated in summer 2020.
Innovation Program for Localities
Many transportation challenges are encountered at the local level and would benefit from locally
derived solutions. This program will allow localities to submit proposals for funding within the
ITTF program. All proposals will be required to meet the criteria described in the Code of Virginia
(i.e., reduce congestion, improve mobility, improve safety, provide up-to-date travel data, or
improve emergency response), and any selected projects will be fully evaluated for potential
deployment in other areas of the Commonwealth. The CTB Subcommittee on Innovation and
Technology will help to determine which proposals to fund.
It is anticipated that localities will be invited to submit proposals for innovative project funding in
fall 2020.
Statewide Technology for Operations
A number of technologies that have been tested or piloted elsewhere could provide significant
benefit(s) to Virginia. This project will select a small number of initiatives for deployment and
evaluation to determine the best path forward for optimal statewide deployment. Some possible
technologies include:
• Customer service bots – automated systems that are capable of handling routine or low-
priority calls during high volume events to free customer service agents for higher priority
issues
• Worker alert system – an alert system that would provide a geo-fenced presence alert
through third-party apps or agency-developed systems when workers are at risk of being
struck by an errant vehicle
• Virtual Active Traffic Management (ATM) – a system that utilizes wireless
communications and smartphone-based apps to provide the benefits of an ATM without
the heavy infrastructure investment
Selected projects will begin in 2020.
In addition to these new projects, there are a number of efforts underway that were funded through
previous CTB actions. The following tables provide an update on those projects.
“ITTF Projects” Allocated Funding in FY19 1
Funding
Allocation Expenditures
UPC / Expenditures Status
Project Purpose FY19 Final to Date
Location FY 19
SYIP
104591 Interstate ITTF Technology – This line item is a funding source for breakout
$3,379,827 $0 $0
Statewide Equipment Upgrades projects
Richmond TOC Upgrade to house
future transportation technology
109482 $0
equipment and operations to $2,259,880 $0 Construction underway
Richmond
improve traffic surveillance and
management.
Grand Total FY-19 Funding Allocation $5,639,707
1
Information concerning FY18 allocations and expenditures for “ITTF Projects” may be found in the FY18 report published on Virginia’s Legislative Information
System at: https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2018/RD565
Ongoing / Completed Projects
Total
Expenditures Expenditures
UPC / Location Project Purpose Allocatio Status
to Date FY-19
ns
Prepare design plans for an upgraded
105368 $500,346
control room to improve traffic operations $695,371 $512 Complete; project closeout process underway
Hampton Roads
at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel
Prepare design plans for signal
105369 improvements for Route 1 from Caroline
$525,000 $366,283 $208,493 Design plans underway
Richmond County to Colonial Heights to improve
traffic flow
105380 Improve traffic management at the Big $242,824
$368,233 $13,549 Preliminary design underway
Bristol Walker Mountain Tunnel
105381 Improve traffic management at the East
$588,233 $230,371 $13,541 Preliminary design underway
Bristol River Mountain Tunnel
Prepare design plans to improve traffic
105388 $433,930
operations at the I-664 Monitor Merrimac $620,448 $179,368 Design plans underway
Hampton Roads
Tunnel
Signal improvements for US 60 between
105404 $277,435
New Kent and Newport News to improve $385,000 $22,231 Design plans underway
Hampton Roads
traffic flow
I-95 Corridor Technology on Rt. 1, 17;
105443 Signal Communications Camera – Prince
$540,000 $358,404 $78,926 Preliminary engineering work underway
Fredericksburg William to Hanover to improve situation
awareness and the management of traffic
Signal improvements for US 60 between Reported complete in FY17; however, the project was
105444
New Kent and Richmond to improve traffic $180,000 $52,250 $713 placed on hold & then re-started; Construction is
Richmond
flow underway
Total
Expenditures Expenditures
UPC / Location Project Purpose Allocatio Status
to Date FY-19
ns
Install signal improvements with CCTV
107541 improvements for arterial highways in Construction complete; project closeout process
$384,711 $301,238 $9,683
Northern Virginia Northern Virginia to improve traffic flow for underway
US 1 - Phase 3
Install signal and camera improvements on
107545 $369,690 Construction complete; project closeout process
Routes-29, 50, 7, 236 in Northern Virginia $533,206 $18,885
Northern Virginia underway
to improve traffic flow - Phase 3
Intelligent Transportation System
107663 Deployment – District wide Fredericksburg $3,800,0
$160,630 $5,140 Construction underway
Fredericksburg District – Deployment of various signal 00
related technology
Intelligent Transportation System
107818 Deployment – Districtwide Richmond $3,366,2
$518,428 $365,663 Construction underway
Richmond District – Deployment of various signal 50
related technology
ITTF Arterial Operation Improvements for
109232 US 60, Route 143 & 199 to improve travel $1,391,6 Construction complete; project closeout process
$1,120,149 $1,104,435
Hampton Roads on the parallel routes to I-64 around the 01 underway
Williamsburg area.
I-66 Corridor Technology Advancements for
109487 Route 29, 50, 7, & 236 Connected Vehicle
$500,000 $337,915 Complete; project closeout process underway
Northern Virginia Development to promote this emerging $500,000
technology to improve safety and mobility
This line item is a funding source for breakout projects;
109506 Statewide Communitywide Adaptive Signal
$638,399 $0 $0 awaiting additional funding to develop a new breakout
Statewide Control
project.
Safety Service Patrol Communications
110208
Upgrade to improve incident management $225,000 $217,946 $456 Complete; project closeout process underway
Statewide
to minimize delays.
I-95 & I-66 Corridor Technology
110497 Advancement – System Security
$441,047 $393,786 $381,632 Complete; project closeout process underway
Northern Virginia Enhancement for networks & Information
Technology systems
Total
Expenditures Expenditures
UPC / Location Project Purpose Allocatio Status
to Date FY-19
ns
I-95 Ramp Metering to improve traffic
110561
management and reduce congestion $200,000 $89,529 $2,531 Complete; project closeout process underway
Statewide
(Design only)
Statewide Truck Parking Management
110912
System – Phase 1 to improve safety for $925,000 $813,048 $207,816 Complete; project closeout process underway
Statewide
commercial vehicle operations
Statewide Truck Parking Management
111613 $1,807,0
System – Phase 2 to improve safety for $292,543 $146 Design plans underway
Statewide 00
commercial vehicle operations
Advanced Traffic Management System –
Phases 1,2,3,4 to support implementation /
111892 $10,900,
upgrades to advanced traffic management $6,663,351 $3,369,856 Project underway
Statewide 000
system; This is VDOT’s Master Traffic
Control System
Pedestrian Collision Avoidance System to
112254 $86,167
improve transit travel times & transit $250,000 $86,167 Retrofits underway
Statewide
system reliability
112895 Statewide Advanced Traffic Signal $3,000,0 $291,569 $288,327 Construction underway
Statewide Controllers 00
114400 $229
Drone Technology $250,000 $229 Procurement underway
Statewide
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