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Melding information solutions with existing ITD roadway projects helps department take a huge step forward

Our transportation network moves people, products and information. Integrating information management into our transportation network through project planning and implementation is the next step toward becoming the best transportation department in the country. Making that integration seamless, however, is a challenge – one that our Traffic and Enterprise Technology Services groups are tackling head-on.

Intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies promote the safety of Idaho's interstates and highways by providing real-time data and information about roadways used in decision making for planning, implementing and maintaining these assets.

"We will likely implement more ITS devices on our roadways in the future," explained ITD Chief Information Officer Chris Victory. "We feel it's important to the success of ITD to make a united effort within our design/construct projects to integrate ITS devices into our network going forward."

To accomplish this, the Highway Leadership Team (HILT) has developed three important strategies:

* Plan the connection of future ITS devices to the ITD network
Collaborate with ETS early in the planning process. Utilize existing ITD-owned infrastructure, conduit and fiber where available. If not available, connect by utilizing existing private-sector infrastructure. Connect existing ITS systems to the ITD network when opportunities are available available and focus, where practical, on physically separating the ITS portion of the network from the non-ITS portion in preparation for future opportunities. Incorporate ITD's network connectivity in Highway projects when practical. Develop ITS standards for technology and data.

* Advance ITD's network connectivity where practical
Conduit and fiber capacity are key to the flow of information, data and communications along our highways. There is more demand for capacity and bandwidth than ever before, and having a way to provide this at a reduced cost is a great way of setting ourselves up for existing and future ITS needs.

* Develop ITS standards for technology and data
Standardization is key to any repeatable task or project. Standard solutions, configuration protocols and service levels will greatly increase the quality of planning, delivery and supportability of these assets.

The idea is to engage technology experts with the highways planning and design experts to align requirements and capabilities. Planning for future movement of information along our roadways, along with people and products, will benefit ITD in the long run. Having standards for the way we plan, install, and maintain these ITS assets will ultimately improve efficiency and performance.

For comments or questions, please contact Jim Carr at 7-8077.