Transportation Communications Interoperability: Phase 1 \u2013 Needs Assessment

00980072567496522004PDFResearch PaperFHWA-AZ-04-561SPR-PL-1(63)561RadioMobile radioRadio relay systemsRadio InteroperabilityLand Mobile RadioWireless CommunicationsUnited StatesArizona. Dept. of TransportationWendtland, MichaelTannehill, RickSchroeder, MarkKolcz, AndrewITS Engineers & Constructors, IncArizona. Dept. of TransportationUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionADOT\u2019s ability to successfully fulfil its responsibilities for highway maintenance and construction, event traffic management, incident response, and regional security depends on reliable radio communications among its field units and with partner agencies. This needs assessment research represents an initial step in a comprehensive ADOT program aimed at improving statewide radio communications interoperability internally and with ADOT\u2019s various partner agencies. Currently no single radio frequency in the state allows for all responder groups to talk to each other. A critical need exists for secure cross-channel communications both within ADOT and with its transportation agency and emergency response partners of all levels. It is anticipated that systematic and coordinated equipment and infrastructure upgrades combined with shared and enforced communications protocols will overcome the lack of common radio frequencies, channels, or system between response team agencies, and across jurisdictional boundaries. The results of this project help define effective transportation interoperability throughout Arizona, and support ADOT\u2019s planning and future tests and deployments, for operations and for local and regional incident response and command