Graduation Year

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.C.E.

Degree Granting Department

Civil Engineering

Major Professor

Ram M. Pendyala, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Edward Mierzejewski, Ph.D., P.E.

Committee Member

Jian Lu, Ph.D., P.E.

Keywords

ITS, One Way Operation, Turnpike, Safety, Traffic Management

Abstract

Deployment and Strategies for Application of Intelligent Transportation System Elements for Contra Flow Hurricane Evacuation and Emergency Response Ingrid Leuchtenmueller Birenbaum ABSTRACT This thesis is focused upon the deployment and strategies for the application of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) elements for contra flow hurricane evacuation and emergency response. A 99-mile segment of the Mainline of Florida's Turnpike, State Road 91, comprises the research corridor. This segment stands as the potential one way evacuation route for major hurricane evacuations and other types of natural and man-made disasters for the Turnpike System. Plans have been developed and modified over time to address and improve various facets of contra flow evacuations; however, none of these plans have considered advanced transportation technologies as a means through which operational improvements may be implemented.

This study presents the ways in which this present-day evacuation corridor may be enhanced through the proactive application of technologies. ITS provides for the betterment of operations, communications, and procedures for emergency situations in real-time. Improvements in effectiveness and efficiency of the contra flow corridor are realized through the instrumentation of the evacuation route, and benefits are realized by all involved in the evacuation scenario: transportation agencies and their many partners, law enforcement and emergency managers, and the public. This thesis presents a proposal for a migration plan to full roadway instrumentation and ITS deployment that allows for evolving capabilities and protocols. Specific strategies outline steps to be taken that are not entirely dependent upon technology; these strategies are therefore flexible and usable for a growing ITS program.

ITS deployment and strategies for use of the evolving Intelligent Transportation System are of benefit to normal, everyday roadway operations as well. However, the application of these technologies and strategies provide specific, vital benefits during the course of emergency events that utilize contra flow operations, ensuring the promotion of motorist safety and mobility through the combination of people and technologies.

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