ITS Wisconsin - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was ITS Wisconsin formed?
Developing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in Wisconsin requires strong partnerships. Formerly called the Wisconsin ITS Alliance, ITS Wisconsin was formed to provide a flexible organization that could facilitate and strengthen these partnerships. ITS Wisconsin will provide better access to university resources for technical development, professional development, research, and project and program evaluation. It will strengthen the partnerships between key stakeholders and allow for a joint effort in deploying and evaluating ITS throughout the state.
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What steps were taken to create ITS Wisconsin?
The founding organization started as a partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and a team of Wisconsin Universities to support the deployment and evaluation of ITS. The founding organizations’ initial work team included WisDOT, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Marquette University. The team expanded to include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Medical College of Wisconsin. WisDOT worked with other transportation and public safety agencies to implement ITS as a way to make our transportation system more reliable. These transportation operations agencies, the university team and the private industry have formed ITS Wisconsin.
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When did ITS Wisconsin become a chapter of ITS America?
ITS Wisconsin became the official Wisconsin chapter of ITS America in March 2005.
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What are the mission and goals of ITS Wisconsin?
The mission of ITS Wisconsin is to encourage and support professionals involved in research, technology development, planning, institutional coordination, program deployment and evaluation of ITS to enhance safety and mobility in Wisconsin. The goals of ITS Wisconsin are to evaluate and provide technical review, counsel and assessment of ITS in Wisconsin; to support and conduct ITS technology research and development; to promote ITS professional development and awareness in Wisconsin; and to facilitate communication among ITS stakeholders in Wisconsin. More complete information is included in the ITS Wisconsin Strategic Plan.
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What will ITS Wisconsin do to support ITS statewide?
ITS Wisconsin will advocate, sponsor, and conduct activities to increase public understanding and acceptance of proven ITS strategies and tools, and to promote realization of benefits from existing ITS deployments. ITS Wisconsin will also evaluate ITS projects through a consistent benefit-cost analytical process, and provide technical support for agencies interested in deploying ITS elements. Finally, ITS Wisconsin will enhance professional development opportunities for partnering agencies, and will support initiation and growth of public-private partnerships.
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What are the benefits of membership in ITS Wisconsin?
Members of the ITS Wisconsin will be provided with current information about the ITS program in Wisconsin and technology developments that affect ITS deployment regionally and nationally. Members will be integrated into guidance of the Wisconsin ITS program, and will be afforded enhanced access to professional development resources. Members will also be effectively linked to Wisconsin and other regional ITS research activities and findings.
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How does one sponsor ITS Wisconsin?
Contact the ITS Wisconsin Treasurer for more information: treasurer@itswisconsin.org
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How is ITS Wisconsin organized and governed?
ITS Wisconsin has recently revised its Bylaws. An important result is that ITS Wisconsin is now an official chapter of ITS America. For more information on the ITS Wisconsin Bylaws, please contact us at advocacy advocacy@itswisconsin.org.
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Who are the current officers of ITS Wisconsin?
The officers rotate annually. Please feel free to contact advocacy@itswisconsin.org to learn more.
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How can I obtain more information about ITS Wisconsin?
To obtain a complete copy of the ITS Wisconsin Strategic Plan, the Outreach Plan, the By-Laws, or ITS Wisconsin meeting information; please send a note to advocacy@itswisconsin.org.
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ITS Wisconsin in the City
Through the use of proven technologies and institutional partnerships southeastern Wisconsin has been a national pioneer in ITS.
WisDOT's freeway management system utilizes video cameras mounted along the Interstate to monitor traffic flow and detect problems. The live video feeds from these cameras are monitored at a centrally-located Traffic Operations Center.
Up-to-the-minute traffic information from the center is also posted on variable message boards alone the Interstate offering motorists news of drive times to various locations, announcements of construction ahead, and alternate routes they may take to avoid congestion. The video is also made available to local television stations for their traffic update broadcasts. Ramp meters - signal lights located at on-ramps - are timed to control flow of traffic onto the Interstate.
Drivers are also served by freeway patrols. WisDOT, in partnership with the US DOT, local sheriff, police, fire, public works and highway departments and private towing companies work to identify and respond to crashes and breakdowns with the best and quickest emergency services, minimizing clean-up time and congestion caused by these incidents.
Less congestion. Safer roads. Easier and smoother travel.
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ITS Wisconsin for Business
The big rigs that travel our state's roadways are a vital part of commerce in Wisconsin and around the country. Our state's system of permitting and regulating those trucks ensures everyone can enjoy our roads safely and efficiently. ITS applications can make that regulatory process more efficient and adds to its effectiveness in keeping our roads safe.
Many Wisconsin trucking companies already have onboard safety monitoring systems that monitor the driver, vehicle and cargo, and can alert the driver of any potential safety problems such as driver fatigue, vehicle failure, and shirting of unbalanced cargo.
WisDOT is implementing an automated permitting process that will allow motor carriers to electronically obtain necessary credentials, making for easier, faster more efficient processing permits.
Less congestion. Safer roads. Easier and smoother travel.
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Components
Freeway management systems have reduced crashes by 24 to 50% while handling 8 to 22% more traffic at speeds 13 to 48% faster than pre-existing congested conditions.
| ITS Wisconsin Component |
What it does |
Benefit |
| Ramp meters |
control access to highway |
less congestion |
| Video cameras |
monitor traffic flow |
provide traffic information |
| Variable message signs |
display traffic information over roadway |
offer drivers information and options |
| Travel kiosks |
provide traffic and weather information |
offer drivers information and options |
| Freeway patrols |
identify and respond to crashes and breakdowns |
less congestion and improved safety |
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