Website Spells Relief for Travelers on the East Coast

Expanded Site Provides Real-Time Traffic Information and Drive Times for 24 Metropolitan Areas and Between 14 States and Washington, D.C.

Travelers from Maine to Florida are able to save time and better plan their trip thanks to a web site that provides them with real-time traffic information and estimated drive times for roadways in and between major metropolitan areas along the East Coast. Recently expanded to include 3,000 additional miles of roads covering 24 metropolitan areas along the I-95 Corridor, www.i95travelinfo.net offers travelers speed and congestion information on the I-95 corridor, including I-95, the beltways surrounding each major city, and all associated routes that together make up the corridor. Visitors to the website can manipulate the map to zoom to any of the fifteen states and Washington, D.C.

In addition to the website, congestion information and travel times are now available to travelers at two welcome centers and a shopping mall in Virginia. Road congestion and travel times are displayed on large, flat panel public displays at the Skippers Welcome Center (on I-95 northbound, 10 miles south of Emporia), as well as the Fredericksburg Welcome Center (located on the southbound side of I-95 in Fredericksburg).  Additionally, flat-screen displays throughout the Tysons Corner Mall provide real-time traffic updates for the surrounding areas.

Visit the Travel Time website at www.i95travelinfo.net or read more here.

Mid-Atlantic Rail Operations Study - Phase II

The MAROps Phase II study examines the condition and performance of the regional rail system, updating the findings of the widely recognized and acclaimed 2002 Mid-Atlantic Rail Operations Phase I study. The studies are part of a continuing initiative of the I-95 Corridor Coalition, five Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia), and three railroads (Amtrak, CSX, and Norfolk Southern) to understand the impact of rail choke points on rail freight transportation and the economy of the region.

View the Mid-Atlantic Rail Operations Study Phase II Executive Summary  and Final Report.
View project overview and details.

Mid-Atlantic Truck Operations

The I-95 Corridor Coalition’s Mid-Atlantic Truck Operations Study (MATOps) identified and analyzed major highway bottlenecks causing delay to trucks traveling on the Mid-Atlantic region’s highway system and assessed overall impacts of these bottlenecks on freight movements and the regional economy. The project leveraged research on national highway and truck bottlenecks conducted by the Federal Highway Administration.

View the Mid-Atlantic Truck Operations Study Phase I Executive Summary  and Final Report.
View project overview and details.

A 2040 Vision for the I-95 Coalition Region: Supporting Economic Growth in a Carbon-Constrained Environment

The I-95 Corridor Coalition's Long Range Strategic Vision project (view) formulated and analyzed a transportation vision for the entire region – one which accommodates key values and issues related to a global economy, climate change, energy, and quality of life, while re-examining the traditional modal mix and service options available for passenger and freight movement in the corridor.

The Vision report shows the implications of continuing with "Business as Usual" and, alternatively, the impact of bold strategies for accommodating mobility and economic development, with an emphasis on reducing energy usage and the carbon footprint. With the implementation of the bold strategies outlined in the report, economic growth will be supported by improved system performance. Major highway and rail bottlenecks will be removed, and delay on urban Interstates will be reduced by 46 percent. The region will also be on path to achieve GHG emissions reductions of 60 to 80 percent by 2050 (as compared to 2005 levels).

The I-95 Coalition 2040 Vision was developed based on long-term trends and, even with the recent short-term fluctuations in the economy, the Vision's projections are still valid assumptions for the longer term 2040 vision period.  The Vision study assumed that the region's long term growth would rebound following the current severe economic downturn, albeit at a lower rate of growth than previously forecast.  Importantly, the region's more modest economic and travel growth assumptions were developed in the context of significantly reduced fossil fuel use and dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

2040 Vision for I-95 Region Executive Summary: View
2040 Vision for I-95 Region Full Report: View

I-95 Corridor Coalition Explores Alternatives to the Gas Tax

VMT-Based Fees: Issues and Considerations from a Multi-State Perspective - In the spring of 2009, the I-95 Corridor Coalition, at the direction of its Executive Board, embarked upon a program to address the current surface transportation program funding crisis by exploring alternatives to the gas tax as the primary funding mechanism. As an active coalition that has been successfully operating for over 15 years, the I-95 Corridor Coalition is well-positioned to examine both technical and institutional/administrative issues from a multi-state perspective, reflecting a diversity of policies and opinions that will be critical to the emergence of a new revenue generation system.

In May of 2009, the Coalition convened a workshop involving a group of experts to discuss how the Coalition could best contribute to a national effort in this area. Following the recommendations of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission, and the work of other organizations including the FHWA, the Oregon DOT, and the TRB, the workshop produced a set of recommendations regarding the issues that a multi-state pilot program for a VMT-based fee system should address.  Based on the experts’ recommendations, an initial proposal was considered at the Coalition’s June 2 combined Steering Committee/Executive Board meeting. That proposal led to a decision to launch a project to identify the institutional and administrative requirements of a multi-state VMT-based fee system. That project commenced in November 2009 and will conclude in the summer of 2010.  The final scope of work is referenced below.

In the summer of 2009, the Coalition assembled a Member Advisory Committee, consisting of senior representatives of Coalition member state departments of transportation and toll authorities to guide the Coalition’s work activities in this area.  That group convened twice to guide the development of the scope of work for the project described above.  It will continue meeting to guide the work as it progresses.  Advisors in specialty areas, such as administrative and legal issues, will also be consulted.

View Brainstorming Session Summary – May 5, 2009
View Project Proposal
View Member Advisory Council
 View Member Advisory Council Webcast Presentation – September 10, 2009
 View Project Scope of Work

Related Documents & Links:

• International Scan: Reducing Congestion and Funding Transpotation Using Variable Road Pricing - USDOT/FHWA
• A Transportation Research Program for Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change and Conserving Energy - Transportation Research Board
• Discerning the Pathway to Implementation of a National Mileage-Based Charging System - Oregon DOT and Transportation Research Board (supporting document for TRB Report 299, above)
• Mileage-Based User Fee Technology Study - FHWA/RITA
• Oregon's VMT Fee Program - Oregon DOT
• Implementable Strategies for Shifting to Direct Usage-Based Charges for Transportation Funding – NCHRP 20-24(69)
• Technology Enabling Near-Term Nationwide Implementation of Distance Based Road User Fees - University of Minnesota
• Equity and Congestion Pricing – A Review of the Evidence - Environmental Defense Fund Research Report
• FHWA Tolling & Pricing Program - Project: Oregon Mileage-Based Road User Fee Evaluation - FHWA
• NCHRP 19-08: Costs of Alternative Revenue-Generation Systems - Transportation Research Board

Vehicle Probe Project One-Year Anniversary

On July 1, 2009, the Vehicle Probe Project celebrated its One Year Anniversary of providing real-time traffic data to I-95 Corridor Coalition member states. This groundbreaking initiative has been providing comprehensive and continuous real-time travel information to members since July 1, 2008 for New Jersey through North Carolina. Since that date, the Vehicle Probe Project team has been active validating data, improving access to information, and expanding project limits. New Jersey and North Carolina have used the contract to expand statewide, and South Carolina - a state beyond the contract limits - has added coverage.

I-95 Corridor Coalition agencies have been busy integrating the Vehicle Probe Project (VPP) data into their systems to provide more robust travel information for their users. Below are some of the data applications and uses:

• Integrating the VPP data into web applications
• Using the monitoring site map to monitor freeways and detect issues
• Combining VPP data with other data (such as sensors)
• Incorporating VPP data into statewide monitoring systems and 511 operations
• Using VPP data by Agency Planning Departments
• Evaluating VPP data as a performance measure

The Vehicle Probe Project contract enables all member agencies operating roadway facilities to add coverage beyond the Core Network. The coverage does not have to be contiguous to the Core Network coverage. For more information, please read the attached Vehicle Probe Project Overview or view any of the project documents (please go to the “Highlights” tab).

The I-95 Corridor Coalition conducts a number of projects of importance to the member agencies and to the region.  Following are highlighted projects:

 Federal Support for Freight Infrastructure: Policy Issues & Program Design
 2040 Strategic Vision for the I-95 Coalition Region
Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Southeast Rail Operations Studies
Vehicle Probe Project
Truck Parking Initiative
Commercial Vehicle Infrastructure Integration
StreetSmart Program for Teen Drivers

The I-95 Corridor Coalition Introduces Two New ICAT Websites

The I-95 Corridor Coalition is pleased to announce the availability of two new websites for use by Coalition members and the general public as part of its Integrated Corridor Analysis Tool (ICAT) project.

• WebCAT is an interactive web-based geographic information system (GIS) that provides on-line access to information on the Coalition region’s highway and rail systems, system performance, and forecasts of future travel demand and conditions in the Coalition region. WebCAT enables users to view and navigate through a map of the entire Coalition region displaying highway and railroad networks, bridges, traffic bottlenecks, locations of fatal highway crashes, etc. Most features can be queried for more detailed information. Users can also view thematic maps showing, for example, current and future traffic volumes, railroad ownership and trackage rights, etc. The library of thematic data will be expanded in response to user demand and as Coalition projects develop additional information. WebCAT can be accessed at http://ags.camsys.com/icat/
• DataCAT is a repository and download site for the geographic databases and other data files that comprise ICAT. Current data include the ICAT highway and rail networks, ICAT analysis zones and origin-destination trip tables, individual state road networks from which the ICAT highway network was derived, and copies of relevant national databases such as NHPN, NBI, and FARS Specific Coalition project databases will also be made available as they become authorized for public release. Downloads require only a web browser and Internet connection, but the databases are designed for knowledgeable users capable of conducting analyses using their own computers and GIS application software. DataCAT can be accessed at ftp://ftp.camsys.com/clientsupport/ICAT/site/index.htm

Overview of ICAT

For the past several years, the I-95 Corridor Coalition has been sponsoring development of the Integrated Corridor Analysis Tool (ICAT) to assist Coalition members in conducting multi-state transportation planning and operations studies. ICAT is a web-based geographic information system (GIS) that enables users to visualize current transportation infrastructure and traffic patterns, and to project future travel volumes across multiple states within the Coalition region. ICAT is not a replacement for more detailed state and local data, models, or analysis tools. It is intended to supplement local analysis capabilities with objective and consistent information on transportation conditions and performance in neighboring jurisdictions.

ICAT consists of highway and rail networks, and synthesized auto and truck trip tables for the entire Coalition region, containing attribute data gleaned from state and national data sources such as FHWA’s Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) and Freight Analysis Framework (FAF). ICAT fills a gap between state and local transportation network information and national data such as NHPN and the FAF.

ICAT helps member agencies look beyond their own jurisdictional boundaries to facilitate decision-making with respect to public investments in the region’s transportation system. Issues such as regional transportation growth, locations of regional transportation bottlenecks, coordination of multi-state evacuation plans, and the impacts of regional transportation investments can now be more thoroughly evaluated through the use of ICAT data and web-based GIS.

The USDOT's Research and Innovative Technology Administration Releases ITS Strategic Plan

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration has released the new, five-year Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Strategic Plan.  The plan explores the potentially transformative capabilities of wireless technology to make surface transportation safer, smarter and greener and ultimately enhance livability for Americans.  The core of the research plan is a program called IntelliDriveSM, a multimodal initiative to support safety, mobility and environmental enhancements by providing safe, interoperable wireless connectivity between vehicles, infrastructure and passengers' devices. 

View additional information about the Strategic Research Plan.

The Federal Railroad Administration Releases Preliminary National Rail Plan

The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) directed the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to develop a Preliminary Rail Plan to address the rail needs of the Nation. The PRIIA also directed FRA to provide assistance to States in developing their State rail plans in order to ensure that the Federal long-range National Rail Plan is consistent with approved State rail plans. Subsequent to PRIIA, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 sets the framework for the development of true high-speed rail in the United States. This Preliminary Plan is, therefore, an important first step in an ongoing process.

This Preliminary Plan lays the groundwork for developing policies to improve the U.S. transportation system. Its goals are consistent with the top goals of the U.S. Department of Transportation's: to improve safety, to foster livable communities, to increase the economic competitiveness of the United States, and to promote sustainable transportation. The important attributes of rail - safety, fuel efficiency, and environmental benefits - can meaningfully assist in achieving these goals.

View the National Rail Plan

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces Administration Wide Effort to Combat Distracted Driving

WASHINGTON – At the conclusion of a two-day summit on distracted driving in Washington, D.C. today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a series of concrete actions the Obama Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) are taking to help put an end to distracted driving.

Last night, President Obama signed an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles; when using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving; or while driving privately owned vehicles when they’re on official government business. The order also encourages federal contractors and others doing business with the government to adopt and enforce their own policies banning texting while driving on the job.

“This order sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unacceptable. It shows that the federal government is leading by example,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I fully expect that all 58,000 DOT employees and contractors will take this order seriously. Let’s show our friends and families that we can resist the temptation to answer the phone, send a message, or allow some other distraction to interfere with our driving.”

Secretary LaHood pledged to work with Congress to ensure that the issue of distracted driving is appropriately addressed. He also announced a number of immediate actions the Department is taking to combat distracted driving, including the Department’s plan to create three separate rulemakings that would consider:

• Making permanent restrictions on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in rail operations.
• Banning text messaging altogether, and restrict the use of cell phones by truck and interstate bus operators.
• Disqualifying school bus drivers convicted of texting while driving, from maintaining their commercial driver’s licenses.

The Secretary also called on state and local governments to work with USDOT to reduce fatalities and crashes by making distracted driving part of their state highway plans, and by continuing to pass state and local laws against distracted driving in all types of vehicles, especially school buses. He asked states and local governments to back up public awareness campaigns with high-visibility enforcement actions. And he said the Department is establishing an on-line clearinghouse on the risks of distracted driving, aimed especially at young people, which will give them information to help encourage good decisions.

Secretary LaHood also pledged to continue the Department’s research on how to best combat distracted driving. As part of this pledge, the Department will launch a new demonstration program this year to evaluate techniques that states can use to get the most out of their efforts to end this destructive behavior.

“Keeping Americans safe is without question the federal government’s highest priority – and that includes safety on the road, as well as on mass transit and rail,” said Secretary LaHood. “I’m greatly encouraged by the work accomplished at this summit. Working together, we’re going to make sure that traveling in America is as safe as it can possibly be and I strongly encourage the public to take personal responsibility for their behavior and show a healthy respect for the rules of the road.”

The two-day summit brought together safety experts, researchers, industry representatives, elected officials and members of the public who shared their expertise, experiences and ideas for reducing distracted driving behavior and addressed the safety risk posed by this growing problem across all modes of transportation. Authoritative speakers from around the nation led interactive sessions on a number of key topics including the extent and impact of distracted driving, current research, regulations and best practices. Individuals from 49 states participated in the summit via the web.

The summit also featured a discussion with Seventeen Editor-in-Chief Ann Shoket and three young adults that explored the dangers of texting and driving. High school classrooms across the country tuned into the youth geared program and heard insights from Reggie Shaw, 22, and Nicole Meredith, 18, both of whom caused car crashes because they were texting while behind the wheel. Reggie and Nicole were joined by Natalie Hayford, 17, a teen advocate with the Anoka, Minnesota chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Natalie works with her school and community to try and educate people her age about the dangers of distracted driving.

Together with the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF), the group announced the Drive for Life PSA contest. The contest challenges kids and teens to submit a PSA concept on combating distracted or impaired driving and the winner will be sent to New York City to help producers actually put their PSA together. Additional information on the challenge can be found at www.noys.org or www.nrsf.org.

To watch Secretary LaHood’s video blog on distracted driving visit www.dot.gov. The full webcast of the summit will be available later this week on the US/DOT website.