Demonstration of non-intrusive traffic data collection devices in Alaska.

PDFTech ReportFHWA-AK-RD-10-1076382Data collectionTraffic dataTraffic countingAxle loadsRadar vehicle detectorsPedestriansCyclistsAlaskaAlaska. Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities. Research, Development and Technology TransferMinge, Erik D.SFR Consulting Group, Inc.United States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThe purpose of this document is to present findings from the Demonstration of Non-Intrusive Traffic Data Collection Devices in Alaska. This project was initiated by theAlaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) to evaluate innovative methods for detecting traffic. Two different portable traffic detectionsystems were evaluated: a pole-mount radar system and a ground-mount axle-counting system.Data was collected from nine sites from July 2008 to February 2010, representing all three DOT&PF Regions. Results indicate that the pole-mounted system performedaccurately in detecting traffic. However, several deployment issues were noted, namely the size and weight of the system\ue2\u20ac\u2122s batteries, which impact the system\ue2\u20ac\u2122sportability, and the need for a minimum amount of traffic in order to successfully calibrate the system. These deployment issues limit the utility of the system as areplacement for current data collection practices. The pole-mounted system was also briefly tested for its ability to detect pedestrians and bicyclists. The systemdemonstrated an ability to detect bicycles, but pedestrian detection was not satisfactory.Testing with the axle-based detection system did not produce valid traffic data. Alaska DOT&PF staff was not able to successfully setup and calibrate the system