The Dutchess County FairThe Dutchess County Fair

Traffic PlanTraffic Plan Talking Operations Web Seminar

April 26, 2006

Why The Dutchess County Fair?Why The Dutchess County Fair?

Largest Scheduled Traffic Event in Region• Represents greatest challenge available• Opportunity for significant media coverage

2nd Largest Agricultural Fair in NY 500,000 Attendees over 6 Days Event Overwhelming to Roadway

Infrastructure

ProjectProject GoalsGoals

Reduce Ingress/Egress CongestionDemonstrate Benefits of ITS

• To Agency Staff, Media + Public

Provide Training of ITS Strategies, Tools + Techniques to Operations Staff

Develop ITS Template for Future Events

Emergency Communications Emergency Communications VehicleVehicle VHF Radio

Communications to SP Patrols

Fair Detail via 800 MHZ

TMC resources via Nextel

ITS components via laptop modem

Traveler InformationTraveler Information

VMS Strategy• 10 Signs• Solar Powered• Cellular Programmable• Inner + Outer Perimeter• Pre Installed Anticipatory Message Sets• Diversion Plan for Non-Fair Related Traffic

Traveler InformationTraveler Information

Highway Advisory Radio• Solar Powered• Cellular Programmable• Prerecorded “Play list”• In Concert w/VMS, for Diversion Routing +

Incident Notification

Incident ManagementIncident Management

2 HELP Trucks on site during peak hours– Setup of extra lane– Movement of DV’s– Spotters for C.P.– Detection of MVA’s– P.R. during Non-

Peak

Construction PreemptionConstruction Preemption

Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge Re-decking

Route PlanningRoute Planning

3rd lane created to Maximize Egress at Peak Hours, Turn Restrictions Imposed

Cones, VMS, HAR, Lights and HELP Utilized to Define Patterns

Exit Gate Delay Eliminated

Route PlanningRoute Planning

Signal Coordination– Engineer on site– Predetermined

patterns– Maximum Egress

Settings– Microwave

detectors

Signal ControlSignal Control

Portable CCTV W/Remote Preemption

CommunicationsCommunications

No Cellular Coverage in Target AreaHELP Trucks, TMC Staff Use NEXTELDesire to Communicate with SP

Traffic Detail+ Command Post, Fair Parking Staff, Signal Crew, Bridge Toll Plaza, and HELP Vehicles

CommunicationsCommunications

NEXTEL provides C.O.W. on site

“Cellular On Wheels” provided full digital 2 way communications to mobile + handheld radios

Allowed for “On The Fly” changes in VMS, HAR messages, and Instant HELP Response

C.O.W. SETUP

Electronic CountersElectronic Counters

Positioned at internal exit points

Easy to use, appear to be reasonably accurate

Direct download from device to laptop

Media CoverageMedia Coverage

Positive Coverage in Local PressI.T.S. Benefits Explained to PublicMedia Relationships Developed +

Utilized• HELP Expansion 10/00 +10/01• Regional ITS Deployments• Ongoing TMC Coverage

ConclusionConclusion

Most Comprehensive Rural ITS Deployment for Planned Event in NYS

Benefits of ITS Recognized By Public Training Enhanced ITS Incident

Management Capabilities Measurable Improvement to Public Safety