Florida's Turnpike System

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CCTV Camera Vehicle Detection System INFORMING THE TRAVELER Traffic Management Center Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008 Dynamic Message Sign Highway Advisory Radio Travel Time System Traffic Information Display While the Turnpike continues to invest in tolling technology, it also has embarked on an aggressive Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) deployment program over the last several years. ITS is a blend of electronic devices administered by Traffic Management Center (TMC) staff and is intended to advance the Turnpike’s safety and customer service initiatives. The TMCs utilize an array of technology and systems to reduce the amount of congestion on the roadway, help coordinate emergency response efforts, and help prevent secondary crashes. With two facilities (Pompano Beach at milepost 65 and Turkey Lake at milepost 263) and centralized operations, the TMC staff control, monitor, operate and manage traffic along Florida’s Turnpike and all system roadways 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The staff works closely with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the State Farm Safety Patrol (Road Rangers), Florida Department of Transportation districts, 511 travel information providers, traffic media, construction and maintenance personnel, the Public Information Office and other agencies to provide accurate and timely information. In addition, the TMCs are equipped to serve as emergency operation centers during hurricane evacuations and other disaster-related incidents. The ITS equipment includes fiber-optic cable, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, vehicle detection systems (VDS), Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) transmitters and beacons, and travel time systems (TTS). This equipment gives the TMC the ability to fully manage incidents on the Turnpike and to provide customers with improved traffic information, reduced congestion and enhanced safety. 11
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report The VDS and TTS allow the TMC to determine the location of incidents on the System, as well as the extent of traffic backups caused by incidents. This equipment also provides average speeds and traffic volumes, which can be used for more efficient speed enforcement, better planning for future roadway improvements, and the display of travel times on the existing and future Turnpike dynamic message signs to inform the public. In addition, the TMC operates Dynamic Message Signs and Highway Advisory Radio transmitters to help disseminate information to Florida’s Turnpike customers. Currently, Florida’s Turnpike has 56 dynamic message signs along the Mainline and the Beachline Expressway. These electronically illuminated signs are strategically placed. The signs, contained in overhead structures spanning the width of the roadway, provide real-time information about traffic delays, incidents, emergency operations and construction. Additionally, during FY 2008 work was completed on the Toll Operations fiber optic network on the Mainline which included connecting more than 80 toll facilities on the Mainline with the host computer processing centers in Boca Raton and Orlando. Other major accomplishments were achieved during FY 2008 in the areas of safety, preservation, capacity and customer service. SAFETY Florida’s Turnpike serves more than 2 million motorists on a daily basis. This brings increased challenges, as Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise customers want reliable highways with predictable travel times. To continue to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations, Florida’s Turnpike is committed to creating a safe environment for all motorists. 12 Part of the Turnpike’s safety program is keeping roads unobstructed of vehicles that have been involved in accidents in order to prevent additional accidents from occurring. The Turnpike’s Rapid Incident Scene Clearance (RISC) initiative significantly reduces vehicle clearance times by providing an incentive for using specialized vehicle recovery equipment and procedures. The policy maximizes the effectiveness of Traffic Management Centers and advanced computer technology for accident clearance. Selected recovery contractors are assigned specific sections of the Turnpike and are required to respond and clear travel lanes within a pre-determined period. The RISC program awards towing contractors “quick clearance” bonuses if they clear accidents and restore traffic operations within 86% of incidents cleared within required time limit
Page 2 and 3: Florida’s Turnpike sysTem An Ente
Page 4 and 5: CHARLIE CRIST GOVERNOR December 15,
Page 6 and 7: GENERAL COUNSEL Alexis Yarbrough AS
Page 8 and 9: Florida Department of Transportatio
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Florida's Turnpike System

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