TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS | SIGNALS - SILICON VALLEY SMART CORRIDOR

Next Generation

With the fiber optic network in place and a majority of the traffic management centers successfully linked to the data exchange network, the next steps in building the Smart Corridor project will involve enhancement and expansion efforts. The scope of work for Phase IV of the project is currently under its final stage of development and award of the design contract is anticipated at the beginning of year 2000 with construction estimated for midyear 2000.

Enhancement efforts planned for implementation include integrating the Town of Los Gatos and the City of Santa Clara traffic management centers with the data exchange network. This element of work was postponed during the first three phases due to funding constraints. Similarly, additional CCTV cameras, dynamic message signs, and timing plans will be deployed at critical locations to provide more complete coverage of the corridor's transportation facilities. The data exchange network will be upgraded to meet the National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) center-to-center standards as well as to accommodate incident management software.

Expansion efforts planned for implementation include a new project partner, the City of Fremont. This element of expansion is particularly important since it expands the Smart Corridor concept into a new county, Alameda County, and will be making a positive impact on traffic along both Interstates 680 and 880. In particular, Warms Springs Boulevard and Milpitas Boulevard will be outfitted with CCTV cameras, message signs, fiber optic cable, and the like to allow for seamless traffic management between the two county boundaries. The City of Fremont TMC will be upgraded to allow full functionality and connectivity with the Smart Corridor data exchange network.

Additionally, major efforts will be made to integrate the VTA's light rail system with the data exchange network so that all modes of travel are represented on this regional traffic management system.

The Silicon Valley Smart Corridor project will ultimately bring together many of the south bay's transportation management facilities and will reshape the way traffic is managed in the Bay Area.