TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CENTER

First Quarter 2020 ITS Report

by Frank Hickman Monica Stone

99th Transportation Research Bureau Conference,January 12-15, 2020

Washington DC Convention CenterThis meeting, which attracts thousands of transportation professionals each year, offers an unparalleled opportunity to share your knowledge and perspectives with others and to learn about the latest developments in transportation research, policy, and practice. The four day program includes 800 sessions and workshops on all aspects of transportation.

The spotlight theme for the 2020 Annual Meeting was, ”A Century of Progress: Foundation for the Future”. Over 170 sessions and workshops were devoted to conference “Hot Topics”. Autonomous and Connected vehicles were a major conference “hot topic” this year as it was at last year’s conference.One of the unique sessions of note and application to the Hampton Roads community was the Military Transportation Committee. These sessions highlighted innovative transportation issues on military bases and between military bases and their surrounding communities.

Staff was interested in volunteering for participation in pilot transportation projects involving area military bases here and the local community.

Low Speed Automated Vehicle Workshop,January 30,2020,

Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI),Blacksburg, Virginia

City of Virginia Beach staff, Tara Reel (Planning), Rick Lowman (Traffic Engineering), Franklin Hickman (Public Works Operations) ventured to VTTI to participate in the Low Speed Automated Vehicle workshop and to experience a ride on the “smart road” outside the VTTI facility.

The workshop provided an overview of the VTTI mission and a review of low speed automated vehicle (LSAV) research and deployments.

Created by EasyMile, a driverless technology manufacturer, the EasyMile EZ10 shuttle uses a combination of GPS and LIDAR sensors to sense its surroundings and navigate. The vehicle transports up to 12 passengers and is restricted to a speed of 12 miles per hour for safety.

Mike Mollenhauer, Director, Center for Technology, greeting workshop participants

The highlight of the workshop was a ride in the VTTI Generation 2 shuttle vehicle. The shuttle deployed on a short course on a low speed road in front of the VTTI facility. The vehicle has level 2 automation, meaning the vehicle operation is not completely autonomous as it requires a driver operator on board during operation.

One major use of a shuttle of this type would be to help those who depend on public transportation. They often face the challenge of how get from travel end points (such as bus stops), to their homes and destinations. This dilemma is called “First Mile/Last Mile” Problem. An automated shuttle with automated scheduling and routing processes could be a possible solution to the dilemma.

Real world test: The vehicle stopped itself upon detecting something in its path.

Interesting Traffic Reaction to COVID-19 Pandemic,March 2020

Our traffic count section collects data from 30+ continuous count sites throughout the City; collecting traffic count data 24/7. Staff thought it would be interesting to compare traffic volumes, at select sites, to look at the volumes difference, comparing pre and post declaration traffic volumes in March 2020.

Staff looked at traffic volumes at 3 distinct timeframes relative to the state closure orders:

1. March 13th-17th, School Closing Order in Effect2. March 17th -24th, No Gatherings Over 10 order in Effect3. March 24th – 31st, Long Term Closure Orders in Efffect

Town Center Summary indicated : March 13-17th, Temporary School Closing Order – Traffic volume reduction of 16%

March 17th 24th, No Gathering Over 10 Order in Effect – Traffic volume reduction of 33%

March 24th -31st, Long Term Closure Order in Effect - Traffic volume reduction of 42%

Lynnhaven Parkway Summary (vicinity of Lynnhaven Mall) indicated :

March 13-17th, Temporary School Closing Order – Traffic volume reduction of 13%

March 17th 24th, No Gathering Over 10 Order in Effect – Traffic volume reduction of 29%

March 24th -31st, Long Term Closure Order in Effect - Traffic volume reduction of 37%

Hilltop Area Summary (Laskin Road Vicinity):

March 13-17th, Temporary School Closing Order – Traffic volume reduction of 15%

March 17th 24th, No Gathering Over 10 Order in Effect – Traffic volume reduction of 26%

March 24th -31st, Long Term Closure Order in Effect- Traffic volume reduction of 36%

Municipal Center Summary (North Landing Road vicinity):

March 13-17th, Temporary School Closing Order – Traffic volume reduction of 32%

March 17th 24th, No Gathering Over 10 Order in Effect – Traffic volume reduction of 41%

March 24th -31st, Long Term Closure Order in Effect- Traffic volume reduction of 47%

Traffic Technician staff downloading and analyzing recent traffic count data. Rodney Schwartz (lead technician) and Alec Jensen (traffic technician) pictured.

Traffic Management Operations Division Response Information (January-March 2020)

Some of the vital statistical areas we addressed:

a. Number of Traffic Counts – 78

b. Number of Utility Locate Tickets (Miss Utility) Received/Checked/Marked – 4564/4358/206

c. Number of Traffic Signal Preventive Maintenance Actions Completed-160

d. Number of Traffic Sign Work Orders Completed – 865

e. Feet of Installed Thermoplastic Paint – 4,976

Provided event support for the following Special Events:

a. 2020 Polar Plunge

b. Virginia Beach Libraries Service Awards

c. Green Run High School Crash Scene Filming

d. COVID-19 Test Site Traffic Control