Freeway Traffic Management Systems
COMPASS is basically a large integrated freeway traffic management system intended to improve safety, optimize the real capacity of the highway and provide a better level of service to motorists without the addition of more traffic lanes. This improvement is accomplished by faster detection and response to incidents on the highway and through balancing of traffic volumes between the highway and other viable alternate routes. (For example, the express and collector system on Highway 401 within Toronto.)
A typical freeway traffic management system can comprise the following major subsystems:
- Traffic Operations Centre (TOC)
- Central Computer System
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
- Vehicle Detector Stations (VDS)
- Changeable Message Signs (CMS)
- Ramp Metering Stations (RMS)
- Field Provisions (ducts, cabinets, footings, power, etc.)
- Communications Subsystems:
See also:
- COMPASS Systems in operation:
- Toronto (Highway 401)
- Mississauga (QEW)
- Burlington (QEW)
- Ottawa (Highway 417)
- Traffic and Road Information System (TRIS)
