Bay County’s Traffic Engineering Department has received the 2013 John W. Barr District 10 Transportation Achievement Award for excellence in its Intelligent Transportation System.
In 2013, Bay County completed the implementation of the first three phases of an Advanced Traffic Management System, which included the integration of more than 134 traffic signals; video cameras at 80 key intersections; and an extensive fiber optic communications system that included more than 70 miles of underground conduit.
“We’re honored to receive the award,” Bay County Traffic Engineer Keith Bryant said. “What I especially like about this one is that it’s not an individual award, but it’s for the entire traffic engineering team and reflects all the hard work they all put into the project.”
The project included funding and technical participation by the Florida Department of Transportation, as well as a unique joint partnership with the Bay County School District, which provided funding in exchange for the shared use of the fiber optic communications system to interconnect schools at a considerable savings over their previously leased lines.
“I think it’s great that we were able to partner with DOT and with the School Board in this endeavor to maximize the available technology and resources,” Bay County Commission Chairman Guy Tunnell said. “I think if there can be a model for efficiency in government, this would be a good example of that.”
The ITS aims to synchronize traffic signals to reduce travel times while allowing staff to remotely respond to unplanned traffic conditions and congestion.
“Staff has observed a 20 percent reduction in travel times during a.m. and p.m. travel hours,” Bryant said. “This is a significant improvement, because it helps move people faster but also reduces emissions and the need to construct new roads.”
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
