Use of PortableNon-Intrusive Sensorsin Kentucky

NATMEC 2004San Diego, CaliforniaJune 27-30, 2004

Dan Inabnitt, CPMKentucky Transportation Cabinet

Kentucky’s FirstNon-Intrusive Traffic

Counting Device

… and we still use it.

congestion

incident management

A count is not worth getting injured!

In the United States, 120 to 130 workers die each year in road construction activities. Of this total, approximately 23% of the fatalities are due to pedestrian workers

being struck by traffic vehicles. Source: The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

SAFETY

Axle Detection– NILAD– TIRTL

Vehicle Detection– ITS & Other Loops– Under Bridge Micro Loops– Radar

• Motorized Angle Adjustment• Telescopic Flag Pole• Solar Cabinet

OVERVIEW

Axle Detection

11

1 1 1 11

Dual sensor Single sensor

NILAD -Non-Intrusive Laser Axle Detector

Do not have to get in roadwayAccurate axle detectionIndividual lane detectionRoad crown a problemSensor only

NILAD Features

Detects axlesUsed in pairs, one on each side of roadwayIndividual lane detectionInfraredLow powerGPS onboardCell modem on board

TIRTL -The Infra-Red Traffic Logger

Needs software enhancements for lane filtering, display, etc.Needs method to mount securely for portable useA lot of promise

Vehicle Detection

11

Loops that were originally installed for ITS or other use (signals, ramp metering etc.)Wire into loop rack in existing cabinetContact closure board on counterUse normal software and processing procedures for data reduction

ITS and other loops Not really non-intrusive, but WE did not have to get in the road!

Move counter from site to sitePower is availableNo need to wait on ITS folks to give you dataCollect only what you need (24, 48 hours, 7 days, etc.)You KNOW that all lanes are working!Can be complicated! You have to know what you are doing!

Don’t have to get in roadway

Easy one person set up

No boring, drilling or ditching!

We did not have a lot of time to work with this technology but it shows promise

Micro-loops under bridge

Smartsensorand

RTMSPortable Use

RADAR

DC Gear-motor Angle Adjustment

$30 gear-motor (25 rpm, 12 VDC)Turnbuckle, threaded hook, screws, line clamps & misc.2 inch piece of road tubeGrinding, drilling, soldering, etc.DPDT-center off toggle switchFlat lamp cord

DC Gear-motor Angle Adjustment

7’ retracted length20’ fully extended5’ antenna mast added to topCost under $300LightweightOne person setupWire at top to help with stability

Telescopic Flag Pole

Rigid conduit coupling2 beam clampsNuts welded to heads of bolts for padlock useSlots cut for hose clamp

Telescopic Flag Pole “I” Beam Attachment

Minimum amount of tools and equipment

Clamps and locks to “I” beam signpostsCan be carried in small pickup or even in car

Telescopic Flag Pole

Height adjustment accomplished by using 5’ sectionsFlag mounting accessory strapped on pole at baseU-shaped bracket to add stability at top of poleUse of wire connected to top and then wrapped around pole to add stability

Antenna Masts

Solar panels mounted to battery storage box with additional equipment inside

Larger box has room for supplies, sensor cable and sensor to be transported

Solar Cabinet

Axle Detection– NILAD– TIRTL

Vehicle Detection– ITS & Other Loops– Under Bridge Micro Loops– Radar

• Motorized Angle Adjustment• Telescopic Flag Pole• Solar Cabinet

SUMMARY

ThankYou