TransCore to develop ITS for Houston, US

US-based TransCore has secured a $33.6m contract to design, build, and deploy an intelligent transportation system (ITS) across 489 intersections throughout the city of Houston, Texas.  

Under the deal, TransCore will integrate the new ITS with Houston TranStar, and the city’s traffic management centre to enable engineers and emergency operators to swiftly identify and share the real-time information with road users.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2020.

Over the next three years, TransCore will carry out a range of works, including design and installation of 91 new dynamic message signs, 113 roadside cameras, 144 solarpowered, mid-block radar detection sites, and 489 traffic signal detection sites.

City of Houston Department of Public Works and Engineering public information officer Alanna Reed said: "Our population is expected to grow by 50% over the next 20 years. This equates to another two million travellers on our local roads.

"This smart technology infrastructure will enable us to prepare for this growth and provide the residents of Houston greater mobility across the region."

TransCore’s ITS will collect real-time data by monitoring roads and streets in Houston, Texas. 

Data will be used to alert motorists of changing roadway conditions by automatically posting updates on dynamic message signs.  

TransCore Houston vice-president and south-west managing director Clint Holley said: “As major metropolitan cities continue to grow, the use of intelligent transportation systems has enabled local governments to increase mobility, lower environmental impacts of congestion, and make our roadways safer. 

"We are excited to work with the city of Houston to deploy a state-of-the-art, city-wide ITS system that brings these important innovations to all of us."