NJDOT Smart & Connected Corridors US 1 / I-295

To improve safety and reduce wrong-way driving incidents throughout the Trenton metropolitan region and US 1 corridor along Mercer and Middlesex counties, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) embarked on the Smart & Connected Corridors – US 1 / Interstate 295 (I-295) Project. The project is New Jersey’s first, large-scale deployment of emerging connected vehicle roadside technology aimed at identifying and correcting wrong-way driving events to achieve the state’s vision of “Driving Towards Zero Deaths.”

We were responsible for designing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) along more than 16 miles of I-295 between the system-to-system interchange of Interstate 195 (I-195) and the New Jersey-Pennsylvania state line at Scudders Fall Bridge. Working under an accelerated delivery schedule, we conducted a detailed analysis of each interstate exit ramp within the project limits to pinpoint potentially dangerous conditions that could cause wrong-way driving events. Roadway geometrics, crash data, existing traffic control devices and regional socioeconomic factors were considered to identify “hot spots” requiring additional mitigation strategies such as supplemental signage, pavement markings and technology-based, wrong-way vehicle detection systems (WWVDS). WWVDS leverage thermal imaging sensors and high-definition cameras to create a two-point detection system for identifying and verifying wrong-way driving events and generating a localized or system-wide response. Localized responses include initiating a flash sequence on high-intensity, LED-highlighted sign panels to capture the driver’s attention and encourage corrective actions. If the driver does not correct course, a verified event will launch a customizable, system-wide response including broadcasting safety-based, connected vehicle messages, alerting the agency’s Traffic Incident Management Center (TIMC), notifying emergency responders and more.

Our design included the installation of WWVDS at six off-ramps within the I-295 corridor, three thermal imaging sensors to capture wrong-way driving incidents with motorcycles and LED-illuminated signage providing increased visibility for motorists. In addition, 16 cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) roadside units (RSU) were installed. Deployed at strategic locations, the RSU’s will broadcast Traveler Information Messages (TIM) containing advisory warnings on upstream incidents and status updates on changes in traffic patterns or roadway conditions. They will also receive Basic Safety Messages (BSM) from equipped vehicles, enabling NJDOT to collect traffic data in real time. Leveraging this new technology will foster the development of future connected vehicle applications focused on improving safety and mobility.

To help NJDOT monitor, manage and implement these new, connected vehicle applications, we also created a robust, edge-computing environment. Upgrades to each roadside ITS cabinet assembly included replacing existing networking equipment and installing new edge-computing units to provide a scalable environment to automate and apply business logic to data from multiple devices and sensors. This enables application management, business logic execution, data normalization and connecting disparate systems using a singular platform from either the edge of the network or a centralized location. It also allows for the fusion, processing and normalization of data from numerous field devices into various outcomes based on the configured business logic.

Additional improvements included, but were not limited to:

• Upgrading existing ITS cabinet assemblies
• Installing remote power management units (RPMU) and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
• Modernizing existing CCTV cameras from legacy analog to Power-over-Ethernet (POE) models
• Replacing camera lowering devices
• Installing fiber-optic communications

Due to federal funding constraints, we delivered the conceptual development and technical design phases of the project in approximately four months, providing the required Systems Engineering documentation and comprehensive Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E) package before the end of the fiscal year. Our efforts helped the project receive a 2023 Outstanding Project Award from the Intelligent Transportation Society of New Jersey (ITSNJ).