AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2001 Awards: Communications Infrastructure

WINNER Kentucky: ARTIMIS
[Download Nomination - Word]
In an effort to ensure movement of people and goods in the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky urbanized area, the ARTIMIS TATS project is part of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) used to facilitate this complex effort dealing with a population of over 1.9 million citizens. ARTIMIS manages traffic in two states, seven counties, and over 40 independent municipalities without regard to jurisdictional boundaries.

The ARTIMIS TATS project utilizes many different roadway sensors and devices to collect travel data, which is transmitted over a fiber optic network to a control center where the data is fused into traveler information. This information is then made available to travelers, both local and from out of the area, utilizing a variety of devices and methods.

The ARTIMIS system includes several different components. An easy to remember three-digit traffic information telephone number has been established, resulting in a 73% increase in the number of calls. Over 80 Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) have been placed along key segments of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky freeways. The cameras relay information back to the Control Center via fiber optic cable and telephone lines. Forty Changeable Message Signs (CMS) are located before the major freeway interchanges to advise motorists of traffic problems and potential alternate routes. There are also three portable CMS which can be towed to locations where a specific, short term need exists. ARTIMIS also broadcasts traffic advisories and construction information on a dedicated radio channel.

Reference and ramp markers, positioned approximately every 1/10 of a mile, provide information to motorists on the direction of travel, the roadway, and a specific mile location. The signs have been especially helpful to stranded motorists and those in need of emergency medical assistance. These were developed and provided by ARTIMIS as an attempt to more accurately locate incidents. Information from area dispatchers indicated that they often receive multiple calls about an incident, often with conflicting data. Copies of the marker locations were provided to all area dispatch personnel on detailed freeway maps including jurisdictional boundaries. When someone calls in a problem, the dispatcher can direct the motorists to read the reference or ramp marker and therefore get the correct response to the problem quickly.

Five freeway service patrol vans circle the central 88 miles of the freeways within the region. Broken-down vehicles and car accidents are two of the biggest factors contributing to highway congestion. In addition, some of these problems tie up police resources when they are not really necessary. The Service Patrol vans serve to alleviate some of the delays and inefficient use of personnel. They provide a variety of services, such as assisting motorists with temporary repairs, fuel, air, calling for assistance, and removing road debris.

Contact Information: Leon Walden, Transportation Engineer Specialist, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, 501 High Street, Room 705, Frankfort, KY 40622, (502) 564-4556, Leon.Walden@mail.state.ky.us

Other Nominations:
Click on the link to download program submission.

California
Digital California Project

Illinois
Illinois Century Network

Kansas
Securing Kansas Criminal Justice Information

Massachusetts
MassMail Project

Missouri
Missouri Court Automation Project

Nevada
Microwave Project Phase I

North Carolina
DHHS Call Center

Pennsylvania
Keystone Communications

Virginia
Virginia Services Enabled for the Personal Digital Assistant