SMART SunGuide ITS Equipment

The SMART SunGuide TMC employs numerous innovative ITS technologies, computer software and telecommunications to help improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, enhance productivity and save lives and time for motorists on major roadways throughout District 4.

These ITS devices and software are also used to assist Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) with AMBER ALERT activities and neighboring TMCs, police and other partners with various incident management events. Below are the SMART SunGuide TMC's current and future deployments of ITS device:

• Dynamic Message Signs (DMS)
• Motorist Assist Signs
• Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV)
• Vehicle Detection System

Dynamic Message Signs (DMS)

Motorists need to be informed of real-time incidents and confirmed lane blockage, such as accidents, disabled vehicles, roadwork, car fires, and Hazmat spills, so that they can consider alternate routes to avoid delays.

Thirty-one (31) Mark IV fiber-optic and dial-up Dynamic Message Signs are strategically located to disseminate information to motorist along I-95, I-595 and I-75 throughout Broward County District 4.

FDOT's classification of Incident Traffic Impact Levels is as follows:

• Level 1: Impact to traffic is estimated to be less than 30 minutes with minor lane blockage or no lane blockage.

• Level 2: Impact to traffic is estimated to be more than 30 minutes but less than 2 hours.

• Level 3: Impact to traffic is estimated to be more than 2 hours or complete road closure in any single direction where significant area-wide congestion is expected.

Since the posting of DMS messages contributes to intermittent traffic delays, the signs are kept blank during times of normal traffic conditions.

Motorist Assist Signs

The Road Ranger Service Patrol Program is one of the most visible components of ITS. It is the one segment that has the most day-to-day interaction with motorists. Thirteen (13) static Motorist Assist Signs are strategically located in both directions along I-95 and I-595 throughout Broward County District 4 to inform motorists of the free Road Ranger Patrol service that’s available in times of need.

Currently, the state has a total of 88 Road Rangers in service and responsible for monitoring 918 center-line miles. Fully equipped to help assist stranded motorists or help clear major incidents, the Road Rangers are also a useful asset for detection and verification, especially where ITS components are not available.

If a motorist has a flat tire, needs a jump, is out of gas, or any other type of vehicle disability, all they have to do is dial *FHP (347), identify their location and request the Road Ranger service. FHP will notify the TMC of the problem. The TMC Operator will then dispatch the Road Ranger Service Patrol to the scene.

Motorist Assist Sign Locations:

Broward County (13)

Exit Number - Location
36 - I-95 NB South of Atlantic
35 - I-95 SB North of Cypress Creek Rd
37a - I-95 NB at SR 84
37b - I-95 SB at SR 84
38 - I-95 NB North of Dade/Broward County Line
40a - I-595 EB West of 136 Ave
40b - I-595 WB West of 136 Ave
39 - I-595 EB West of Davie Road
41 - I-595 WB East of SW 26 Terrace
33 - I-75 EB West of Arvida Parkway
42 - I-75 SB North of SW 14th Street Bridge
34 - I-75 NB North of Stirling Road
32 - I-75 NB North of Dade/Broward County Line

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras

To increase real-time monitoring, surveillance and first-hand incident detection directly from the TMC, FDOT District 4 has activated Phase-1 of CCTV and detection system deployment. Once completed, approximately 45 high-tech Vicon Surveyor VFT style CCTV cameras will be strategically placed approximately every mile along I-95 and I-595 throughout Broward County. Other roadways will be included in Phase-2.

As part of the day-to-day TMC Operational procedures, TMC SMART Operators are required to turn the CCTV cameras frequently for increased panoramic view and coverage of the roadway. The Surveyor Direct Control Software allows Operators to also program a variety of "PRESETS" to automatically tour each camera on the video wall. PRESETS are generally used to complement the Operator's physical and routine manipulation of the cameras. Proactive use of CCTV cameras helps to improve the TMC's incident management productivity, dispatch, response times, and performance measures by providing early detection, incident verification, increased visual coverage and most importantly, motorist safety.

Vehicle Detection System

In conjunction with the Phase-1 CCTV camera project, FDOT District 4 will initiate deployment of approximately 106 above-ground, side-fire roadway detectors. These detectors will be strategically placed approximately a half mile apart (two per site) along I-95, I-595, and I-75 in Broward County to automatically identify and detect incidents.

The detection system will also measure vehicle presence and capture traffic data, such as speed, volume and occupancy in up to eight (8) lanes. The information collected will not be used for enforcement purposes, but mainly to alert TMC Operators of abnormal traffic flows due to incidents. Using available Road Ranger Patrols and CCTV cameras as resources to confirm incidents and unusual delays, the SMART TMC Operators make the appropriate notifications regarding the incident to motorists, police, emergency personnel and other incident management partners.