Approved by the Transportation Policy Committee on April 30, 2020
Approved by the Public Policy Committee on May 11, 2020
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 11, 2020
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports the integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) elements into traffic control systems as a cost-effective means to optimize traffic control performance and operation, minimize congestion, and increase safety, security and efficiency. ITS elements should be selected and installed based on the functional needs of transportation systems, and on the ability of agencies to operate and maintain them. ITS should be integrated into all transportation modes to provide optimal performance, effectively and efficiently manage transportation demand, and provide real time information to travelers to aid in route and travel mode choice and planning.
ASCE supports continued deployment and integration of ITS technology into traffic control systems to support overall traffic operations, preserve the integrity of transportation systems and drive investment. Federal participation and guidance, as well as public/private partnerships, should support and finance the practical and timely deployment of ITS nationwide. Additionally, federal leadership should continue in advancing the research and development of ITS in conjunction with partnerships between private entities, academic institutions, and state and local governments. As part of continuing research and development, further evaluation should include examining the effectiveness of these technologies in increasing the efficient utilization of our transportation systems and enhancing system safety. Lastly, due to its critical need to support ITS, ASCE supports preserving the dedicated band of spectrum for transportation related communication as part of effective ITS deployment.
Issue
ITS provides the linkages needed to support a complete, sustainable and integrated system as a means to manage traffic congestion in urban areas, optimize operational efficiency, improve roadway safety, and effectively address travelers' needs. In addition to technological advances being achieved through ITS, rapidly developing elements of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology also continue to provide new opportunities for improvements in infrastructure performance and human safety.
Private industry and service providers through their available products and services and local operating agencies through web-based applications are providing opportunities for users to access information on system performance and operations in real time. Additionally, public-private partnerships will continue to provide opportunities for further transportation system improvement through the integration of advanced technology into traffic operating systems, and through the exchange and application of travel demand and operational data.
Stable and effective communication system is a critical element of ITS necessary to allow vehicle technology to communicate effectively as part of an integrated surface transportation network. Preserving the dedicated 5.9 GHz band of spectrum for transportation related purposes provides an adequate level of communication between vehicles, road users, and infrastructure. This also helps ensure long-term regulatory certainty for transportation system development and deployment.
Rationale
Transportation technology continues to provide opportunities to improve transportation efficiency and safety while requiring a wide range of independent yet coordinated actions by public and private sectors. Under current applications, ITS implementation has resulted in reduced roadway fatalities, improved travel time reliability and movement of goods, and minimized environmental impacts. These positive impacts are being integrated across numerous applications including transit and freight movement, homeland security, and energy initiatives.
As development and expansion of technology and communication systems continues, real time data and information availability from both public and private sources will promote more effective traffic control systems and demand management. It will also provide pertinent information in real time to travelers to assist in mode choice and route selection decision making.
ASCE Policy Statement 454
First Approved in 1997