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interest to highway industry professionals. Each issue contains standard departments with information on topics of general interest, notices of recent publications in research and development and in technology applications. Other regular departments include internet-related information applicable to transportation professionals, programs and courses offered by the National Highway Institute, and a calendar of major conferences and special events. For more information on Public Roads, contact the editor, Bob Bryant [bob.bryant@fhwa.dot.gov, (202) 493-3468].

Martha Soneira
(202) 493-3468
martha.soneira@fhwa.dot.gov

OPERATIONS

Portable TMC Makes Regatta A Success

Last year, the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA) developed an ITS project to manage traffic during a special regatta held for classic tall ships from all over the world. Carried out at a cost of $1.5 million, the ITS project was unique because it required creating a semi-portable transportation management center (TMC). TMC was equipped with computers, three video monitors, nine closed circuit TV cameras, 13 changeable message signs, closed loop traffic signals, highway advisory radio, a Web site providing trip information and live video images of traffic conditions, and one service patrol/towing truck.

The challenge facing PRHTA in creating TMC was how to provide access for more than 100,000 regatta visitors through just one artery that accesses the San Juan Port. The portable TMC met the challenge by coordinating all traffic without any congestion during the weeklong regatta. TMC was established at a fire station located near the port and was staffed by PRHTA traffic and operations personnel. They coordinated traffic operations with the police department and regatta staff who had personnel stationed at the TMC communicating via state-of-the-art communications equipment.

TMC provided continuous traffic monitoring and incident management before and during the regatta. From TMC, traffic signals were rogrammed according to traffic conditions; changeable message signs displayed appropriate messages regarding parking and route instructions; and the advisory radio provided traffic advice, event itinerary, and public transportation updates. During peak travel hours, reversible lanes were marked using innovative delineated devices made of PVC tubing and retroreflective sheathing. Incidents, disabled vehicles, and illegal parking were detected by TMC and removed by the service patrol/towing truck in coordination with the local police.

The regatta was a huge success: visitors got to and from the event, and there were no delays or congestion. PRHTA staff showed that by using an ITS architecture, traffic can sail smoothly.

Eddie Rivera
(787) 766-5600 x232
eddie.rivera@fhwa.dot.gov