Evaluating Alternative Operations Strategies to Improve Travel Time ...

SHRP 2 L11: Final Appendices
Strategy: 5.5. Variable Speed Limits (VSL)
Category: 5. Infrastructure Improvements and Demand Optimization
Treatments and Impacts
Overall Cost Range*
Low - 200K but < 1
million
High - >1 million
(Unit)** Capital Cost ($K)
(Unit)** Operation
Cost/year ($K/yr)
Low High Low High
General Cost Info (1, 2, 3)
Variable Speed Limits
(VSL)
Low-Medium 3.7 5 0.3 0.5
- A variable speed limit system consisting of multiple
ITS components and covering 40 miles over the
Snoqualmie Pass in Washington was designed and
implemented for $5 million.
Notes:
* Overall Cost Range applies to the application of a treatment in roadway segment or corridor. For example, several DMS can be installed along a important
route.
**Unit costs were found by adding the unit cost of different equipment for each treatment. This methodology does not apply to all treatments (e.g., TMC,
Intergrated Multimodal Corridors, etc)
References:
1. Rita ITS Database - http://www.itsoverview.its.dot.gov/. Accessed November 19, 2009
2 Robert P. Maccubbin, Barbara L. Staples, Firoz Kabir, Cheryl F. Lowrance, Michael R. Mercer, Brian H. Philips, Stephen R. Gordon. Intelligent
Transportation Systems Benefits, Costs, Deployment, and Lessons Learned: 2008 Update. FHWA-JPO-08-032. Sep., 2008.
3. Hadi, M. and Sinha, P. Intelligent Transportation System Deployment Analysis System Customization: Technical Memorandum No.4 - Florida-Specific
Intelligent Transportation System Deployment Costs. Florida DOT, Traffic Engineering and Operations Office, ITS Section. Aug., 2005
COST INFORMATION OF TRAVEL-TIME RELIABILITY STRATEGIES Page G-14