System costs for traffic surveillance and road weather information systems were projected for upstate California.

Caltrans integrates ITS applications into the California Regional ITS Plan.

Made Public Date
06/30/2019
Identifier
2019-SC00427
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Summary Information

This research identified strategies to integrate ITS applications into the California Regional ITS Plan over the next ten years. Estimates of initial capital costs and ongoing annual operations and maintenance costs were derived from an analysis of data in the national ITS costs databases and input from Caltrans staff.

System costs for particular ITS applications can vary greatly depending on the availability of existing power connections and communication links to transportation management centers (TMCs). Estimates presented in the descriptions below exclude the costs for power connections and backhaul communications links.

ITS Functional Element: Highway System Monitoring

  • CCTV Cameras: Cameras allow TMC operators to visually monitor and verify conditions, and to verify operation of other equipment (e.g., CMS messages and signals). Images from CCTV cameras can also assist travelers by combining with traveler information systems to warn drivers of hazardous environmental conditions. This multi-functionality provides high cost-effectiveness compared to other, more focused monitoring devices such as detector stations. This tactic encompasses new CCTV camera installations, as well as enhancements to existing installations (e.g., camera upgrades and lighting for better night-time visibility). This technology is already widely used in all three Districts, however expanded coverage is desired. Locations at which new CCTV camera deployments will be most beneficial include mountain passes, highway junctions and signalized intersections. The majority of these locations will be within Caltrans jurisdiction.
      • Capital Cost: $75,000-150,000 (Assumes cabinet and mounting pole. For more remote locations, power and communication costs can vary significantly. Additional costs may include maintenance pullout and guardrail.)
      • Annual O&M Cost: $2,000.
    Roadway Weather Information Systems (RWIS) Stations. RWIS stations allow TMC operators and maintenance personnel to know what weather conditions the roadway is experiencing. These stations support maintenance operations by providing information on roadway and environmental conditions that could affect maintenance deployment and scheduling. They also support traveler functions by combining with traveler information systems to warn drivers of dangerous environmental conditions. While numerous RWIS stations have been deployed throughout the region, additional stations are desired especially along mountain passes and remote segments prone to extreme weather conditions. This tactic also includes expanding or enhancing capabilities at existing locations to improve the sensitivity of monitoring devices, faster refresh rates, and/or new types of detection.
      • Capital Cost: $100,000-150,000. (Costs vary depending on number and type of additional cost if communication services are leased, sensors, power, communications, etc. Additional costs may include maintenance pullout and guardrail.)
      • Annual O&M Cost: $5,000 (Costs vary depending on number and type of additional cost if communication services are leased).
System Cost

CCTV Camera System: $75K-$150K per site. RWIS Station: $100K-$150K per site.