7 Results of Texas Variable Speed Pilot Study. 3+ Procurement Opportunities Abound.

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What group studied variable speeds on Texas roads? Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Why? HB 2204 from 2013 legislation required it.

What roadways did TTI study? 

  •   Urban Congestion Site: Westbound (WB) State Loop (SL) 1604 between US 281 and IH-10, San Antonio

  •   Construction Work Zone Site: IH-35 northbound (NB), MM 297 – MM 301, Temple

  •   Weather-Related Site: Eastbound (EB) and WB IH-20 at Ranger Hill, Eastland County

What was the result? Yes, variable speed would be beneficial to address congestion, weather and construction, but they have 7 suggestions:

  1. Use permanent equipment  (procurement opportunity)

  2. A wider separation of the sensors and signs 

  3. Utilize a more comprehensive and rigorous site selection process  

  4. Account for more failure conditions in both equipment and communications

  5. Improve the overall algorithm (procurement opportunity)

  6. Real-time data exchange to other agencies, such as the Department of Public Safety. (procurement opportunity)

  7. Significant and on-going public outreach is necessary 

Variable Speed Pilot Project Study from TTI at TXDOT request

Texas A&M Transportation Institute Summary