Intelligent Transportation System
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What is ITS?
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ITS stands for Intelligent Transportation System. ITS improves transportation safety and mobility and enhances productivity through the use of advance communication technologies. When integrated into the transportation system's infrastructure, and in vehicles themselves, these technologies relieve congestion, improve safety and enhance American productivity.
ITS in South Florida is currently comprised of traffic cams, dynamic message signs, a traffic management center, Road Ranger Service Patrols, SunPass electronic toll collection, and the SunGuide 511 Traveler Information Service.
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Where is ITS?
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ITS is a reality - actual systems, products and services are deployed right now on South Florida expressways. From traffic cams that monitor traffic flow and traffic incidents to increasing mobility through the SunPass electronic toll collection system -- to improving efficiency through dynamic message signs on the roadway, ramp meters at expressway on-ramps and traffic sensors in the pavement -- to SunGuide's 511 traveler information service at www.511southflorida.com that provide graphics and video feeds of real-time traffic conditions and the SunGuide Road Ranger Service Patrols - these are just some of the ITS applications in use, and there are many, many more.
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What are the benefits of ITS?
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Intelligent Transportation Systems relieve traffic congestion by reducing accidents, incident response times and travel times. They increase travel speeds and transit on-time performance. Other benefits include reduced emissions, toll collection savings, and lower operating costs per transit vehicle mile.
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What is the South Florida Regional ITS Coalition?
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The South Florida Regional ITS Coalition is a newly-formed group that brings together municipal, county, regional and state agencies to ensure compatible implementation of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) components and many other important regional objectives.
The individual agencies are in varying stages of implementing the ITS technology, including road sensors, closed circuit television cameras (CCTV), dynamic message signs, ramp-signals and highway advisory radio. By working together, compatibility can be maintained from one jurisdiction to another.
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What are SunGuide Transportation Management Centers?
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The SunGuide Transportation Management Centers (TMCs) are the nerve centers of Florida's Intelligent Transportation System.
The SunGuide TMCs are physical locations used to monitor traffic conditions, respond to traffic incidents and coordinate ITS programs. The SunGuide TMCs are where information coming in from pavement sensors and cameras can be distributed to motorists in real-time through SunGuide 511 Traveler Information. Law enforcement and emergency services will be at the table and this will allow coordinated responses to freeway incidents and rush hour traffic congestion.
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What is the goal of a SunGuide Transportation Management Center?
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The goal of a SunGuide TMC is to provide for the operation of a Freeway Traffic Management System on a “24/7” basis in order to provide early detection and accurate verification of traffic incidents and traffic congestion, and to formulate the appropriate response to minimize delay to motorists. This goal will be achieved by the use of electronic message signs, closed circuit television cameras, detection equipment and voice/data communications with responding agencies to restore traffic flow to normal conditions.
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What is the SunGuideTMC for Miami-Dade?
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The SunGuide TMC for Miami-Dade is operated by Florida Department of Transportation's District VI. The TMC is a 32,000 square foot facility featuring a multi-screen wall and eight console workstations where the staff monitors and controls closed-circuit cameras, dynamic message signs, vehicle detectors and dispatches Road Rangers Service Patrol to clear accidents, remove debris, and assist stranded motorists. Another 18 consoles on three levels within the TMC house the Florida Highway Patrol's Miami Regional Communications Center and Troop E of the Florida Highway Patrol and SmartRoute Systems which runs the 511 traveler information services, South Florida Commuter Services, the State Technology Office, the Florida Department o Law Enforcement, and the Florida Fish and Wild Game Conservation Commission have their regional offices at the TMC.
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Are other agencies located at the SunGuide TMC?
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Yes. The Florida Highway Patrol(FHP)Miami Regional Communications Center which includes Troop E of the Florida Highway Patrol, is now operating out of the SunGuide Transportation Management Center (TMC). SmartRoute Systems which runs the 511 traveler information telephone and Internet service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), South Florida Commuter Services, the State Technology Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are also now co-located at the SunGuide TMC.
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Where is the SunGuide TMC located?
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The SunGuide TMC is located at 1001 NW 111th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
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What are dynamic message signs (DMS)?
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Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), also called electronic or variable message signs, warn you about traffic delays ahead, lane-closures, accidents and more. You have probably noticed the electronic boards spanning the roadway or portable message signs on the side of the road. With advance notice of traffic incidents, you will have more time to change lanes or plan the fastest alternate route. Cameras installed on I-95, SR826/Palmetto Expressway and other South Florida roadways will assist in providing the most up-to-the minute traffic details. DMS not only save time, they can help save lives.
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Road Rangers
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What are Road Rangers?
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A stranded motorist’s best friend, SunGuide Road Rangers provide free and reliable roadside assistance 24/7. Road Ranger Service Patrols clear disabled vehicles from travel lanes and keeps traffic moving safely on I-95 and other major highways. At no cost to you, they change tires, give jump-starts, provide gas and offer local calls. If your vehicle breaks down or you see someone else in need, call *FHP on your cell phone.
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What services do Road Rangers perform?
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SunGuide Road Ranger Service Patrols do more than just change tires or provide some gas for an empty tank. In fact, here’s a snapshot of what they will do for you free of charge:
provide some gas if you run out of fuel
tow your car to the nearest FDOT Right of Way
serve as eyes and ears of the road conditions and traffic incidents
can spend up to 30 minutes working on your vehicle to try to fix the problem
secure scene of an accident and set up a safe zone for emergency vehicles to tend to incident
set up Maintenance of Traffic so commuters know which way to go to avoid incident
change a flat tire
pick up road debris
patrol 18 mile stretch during hurricane evacuation to assist stranded motorists
call in incidents to Traffic Management Center
trained to look out for suspicious vehicles
move vehicles off the road involved in an accident within 90 minutes if possible.
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Are the Road Rangers services really free?
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Yes they are really free. The SunGuide Road Ranger Service Patrols are a free service courtesy of the Florida Department of Transportation. This includes the gas they will put in your car should you run out, changing a flat tire, or any service performed by a Road Ranger in an attempt to get you moving on the road.
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Can a Road Ranger tow me to a service station?
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The SunGuide Road Ranger Service Patrols can only tow your car to the nearest FDOT Right of Way. In other words, they can move it out of traffic and off to an area where it can be taken for repair.
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Which roads do the Road Rangers patrol?
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The SunGuide Road Ranger Service Patrols presently operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the following expressways: I-95, I-75, State Road 836 (Dolphin), State Road 826 (Palmetto), State Road 112 (Airport), State Road 874 (Don Shula ), State Road 878 (Snapper Creek ), State Road 924 ( Gratigny), and Florida’s Turnpike. There is also a SunGuide Road Ranger pilot project operating on US1 from SW 17th Avenue to SW 112th Street from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
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What do Road Rangers really do?
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The Road Ranger Service Patrols continuously drive the expressways looking for stranded motorists, debris on the road, traffic accidents, or other incidents. The Road Rangers assist in these situations to help motorists and ultimately keep traffic moving.
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The Road Rangers is a great program. Why haven't I heard about it before?
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The Road Ranger Servic Patrol program is still fairly new. It was started in 1995 in Broward County and Palm Beach County. Miami-Dade County started the program in 1997. The FDOT, with its partners, has expanded the program as well as efforts to inform the public about Road Ranger services.
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Ramp Signaling
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What is ramp signaling?
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A system of traffic signals at freeway entrances, ramp signaling is tied to sensors to allow seamless merging. In a perfect world, drivers would allow vehicles entering the highway room to merge smoothly. This is not always the case and that is why ramp signaling makes so much sense. This system has already helped other U.S cities move traffic up to 48% faster, improving the safety and efficiency of expressway operations. Ramp signaling will be introduced at select I-95 on-ramps between NW 62 Street and Ives Dairy Road in Miami-Dade County only.
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Ramp signals have recently been installed in Miami-Dade County along I-95. Why is this happening and why do we need to have traffic flow managed?
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Ramp signals are an important traffic management technique designed to keep traffic flow on the freeways and help reduce crashes. With traffic congestion constantly increasing, sound management of the region's transportation system is vital to the movement of people and goods throughout the region.
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How do ramp signals located at freeway on-ramps improve traffic flow?
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Generally, many cars try to merge on the freeway all at once. Drivers on the freeway slow down to let the cars enter, and these slower speeds quickly cause backups. If cars enter the freeway in a spaced, controlled manner, they merge easier and with less disruption to mainline traffic. A short wait on the ramp allows drivers to increase their average freeway speed and shorten freeway travel times. By regulating the flow of traffic entering the freeways during peak hours, the overall flow of traffic on the freeways will be smother. This regulated flow means we can accommodate more vehicles per hour on the freeways, improve commute times, and provide an higher degree of safety.
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Will all ramp signals be operated basically the same way?
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Yes, all ramp signals along I-95 in Miami-Dade County will essentially operate the same way. Because of different ramp characteristics, there may be some slight modifications at specific ramps so that the ramp signals can be the most effective for actual traffic conditions at a particular location. All signalized ramps will have a sign at the entrance letting drivers know if the signals are turned on or not. There will be a signal at the end of the ramp as well as a stop bar on the pavement, and signs providing any special directions.
Whenever you use any signalized on-ramp, remember to follow these basics steps:
Signals at on-ramps work like all traffic lights: red means stop and green means go.
Special instructions will always appear directly at the signal light itself and on other ramp signs.
For example:
When in operation, signs located at or adjacent to signalized ramps will be illuminated. Signs which read “Ramp Signals in Operation When Flashing” will be turned on to notify motorists that ramp signaling is in effect.
Signs at each ramp signal will also be introduced informing motorists that one or two vehicles can proceed through each green light. These signs will read either”One Car Per Green” or “Two Cars Per Green”.
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Why are some ramp signals operating while others are turned off? Are there different hours?
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The purpose of ramp signals is to help regulate freeway traffic flow and merging during periods of intense use. Ramp signals on I-95 in Miami-Dade County will be "demand responsive" - that is, the signals will turn on based on traffic flow. What this means is that signals will typically operate during periods of heavy traffic, such as weekday morning and afternoon commute hours. Ramp signals also may be activated during the "off" hours in the event of an incident on the freeway or for special event traffic.
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Why are there different time cycles at ramp signals?
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The red-green cycles will vary from ramp to ramp. The green light will typically be on for two seconds, and the red light may vary anywhere from two to thirteen seconds depending upon traffic flow conditions. These timings will be adjusted depending on current traffic conditions. Because the ramp signals will be "demand responsive", the operating hours and the red-green cycles will be controlled by traffic at that moment. Sensors in the pavement indicate how heavy traffic volumes are on the freeways. Lighter volumes would send a signal to the ramp signal controller to "tell" the signal to speed up the red-green cycles to let more cars on the freeway. Similarly, if the signals detect heavier traffic on the freeways, the red-green cycles would be adjusted to space out merging traffic at a safer rate.
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What is the waiting time on the signalized ramp?
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Waiting times will vary depending upon how many cars are ahead of you on the ramp. The red-green cycles will vary from ramp to ramp. The green light will typically be on for two seconds, and the red light may vary anywhere from two to thirteen seconds depending upon traffic flow conditions. These timings will be adjusted depending on current traffic conditions.
Because the ramp signals will be "demand responsive", the operating hours and the red-green cycles will be controlled by traffic at that moment. Sensors in the pavement indicate how heavy traffic volumes are on the freeways. Lighter volumes would send a signal to the ramp signal controller to "tell" the signal to speed up the red-green cycles to let more cars on the freeway. Similarly, if the signals detect heavier traffic on the freeways, the red-green cycles would be adjusted to space out merging traffic at a safer rate.In the slowest situation - a thirteen-second red and a two-second green cycle - four cars each minute would be allowed to enter on a specific lane; in the fastest situation, fifteen cars each minute could enter. For those traveling a good distance on one or more freeways, the time spent on the ramp is gained back - and more - with faster speeds on the freeway itself. Depending on the location and time of day, if someone is only traveling a short distance during the commute period, it might be just as fast (or faster) to use a surface street. Also, some signalized on-ramps will be used less frequently than others, and the wait will be shorter at those locations.
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Can ramp signals save the commuter time and/or money?
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Over the years, every ramp signaling project in the United States has been subjected to exhaustive "before and after" tests using electronic counters, in-pavement sensors, computer studies, and even photography. Systems with ramp signals in place show that average speeds on the mainline freeways do increase, and sometimes rather substantially.
With the future implementation of ramp signals, it is estimated that there will be:
Reduction in time spent in traffic due to the easing of recurring and non-recurring congestion
Savings in gas due to less stop and go traffic on the mainline
Savings due to a proven record of reduced crashes
An increase in travel time reliability due to lower flow and congestion which will allow a more consistent commute time during ramp signal operation.
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Is installing ramp signals expensive?
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In terms of return on investment, no, because the accumulated savings to users yields dividends far beyond the minimal costs involved.
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Does ramp signaling make the freeway safer?
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Generally speaking, with the implementation
of ramp signals freeway crashes have been measurably reduced according to before and after studies. The Minnesota Department of Transportation conducted a study of freeway conditions with their ramp signals turned off. All 430 ramp signals in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area were turned off for six weeks in the fall of 2000, and the results show a definite safety benefit in favor of ramp signals. With the ramp signals turned off, there was a 26% increase in crashes - rear-end crashes were up by almost 15%, "run off the road" crashes increased by 60%, and sideswipe crashes were up 200%.
Research shows that most freeway crashes occur during stop-and-go traffic conditions by inattentive drivers. Ramp signaling provides a smoother flow of traffic, which minimizes this problem.
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Won't congestion continue to increase during rush hours at locations where these new ramp signals are supposed to help traffic flow faster?
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Overall, congestion around the Miami-Dade County area will constantly grow, but the type of congestion referred to is known as "bottlenecking". Whenever traffic enters a freeway - and then shifts left from lane to lane - it creates a slowing pattern behind that entrance zone. This is true with or without signals. Ramp signals help to space the entrance of cars onto the freeway at a steady and safer rate, even though freeway lanes might already be congested.
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With increasing costs in fuel, concerns about energy usage and air quality, it would seem to be very wasteful and polluting to have all these cars just sitting on the on-ramps. Is this true?
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No, it's not. Energy and air quality are somewhat improved by maintaining faster freeway flow. While vehicles obviously burn some gas while waiting on a signalized ramp, the average speed is increased on the freeway itself. The incidence of stop-and-go driving is reduced on the freeway, and this is what really burns up most of the gasoline. In terms of air quality, environmental experts have concluded that ramp signal programs slightly reduce the quantities of nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, and reactive hydrocarbons - the pollutants in smog. Again, this is a trade-off: while there might not be any measurable differences on the on-ramps themselves, with decreased freeway stop-and-go driving and smoother flow, the overall air quality actually improves.
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What about the impact of ramp signaling on adjacent city streets; doesn't this create severe local congestion?
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No. There are two ways ramp signals can adversely affect adjacent city streets. The first is backing of ramp traffic onto mainline city streets. FDOT has addressed this by installing end of queue detectors in the ramp signaling system that will send alerts when back-ups are occurring and will speed up the metering rate to avoid back-ups onto the city streets. However, if back-ups currently exist, they will not be eliminated by the signals.
It is also important to remember that there is often a bit of confusion during the first few days of all signaling projects, which does cause a bit more traffic congestion near the ramps. As commuters become accustomed to the signals and adjust their travel patterns, this temporary congestion disappears.
In cases where traffic continues to back up on the ramp, most problems can be handled by adjusting the signal timing. FDOT will closely monitor each signal as it is brought on-line and make adjustments as needed.
The second instance where ramp signals may pose adverse affect is in the diversion of traffic to city streets due to backlog and wait times entering the freeway. This issue has been studied in extensively in their cities where ramp signals were installed show that in those cases where traffic has increased on city streets, the volume has not been significant enough to impact the operation of these streets.
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What about the people who violate the traffic signals on the signalized on-ramp?
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The ramp signals are considered traffic control devices and failure to obey a traffic control device are subject to the same rules of enforcement and fines. In Miami-Dade County the cost of receiving a citation for failure to obey a traffic control device will range from $85 up to $100 or more. The Florida Highway Patrol will be responsible for enforcing the ramp signals.
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With the current managed lanes and the tolling of I-95 users, is there a charge or toll for using the ramp signals?
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There is no charge for using the ramp signals.
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SunGuide 511 Traveler Information Service
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What is 511?
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511 is the easy-to-remember SunGuide Traveler Information Service phone number available in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties. It is part of a new and growing nationwide Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)that collects and delivers real-time traffic information to help travelers and commuters with their trip decisions.
Just dial 511 and follow the prompts that guide you through the new voice-activated interactive telephone system for up-to-the-minute traffic information about the routes or roadways you request.
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How does 511 collect information?
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The SunGuide 511 Traveler Information Service is operated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) and SmartRoute Systems (SRS). FDOT and SRS collect information from the cameras dotting the landscape next to several of our busiest roadways, including I-95, Florida's Turnpike, the Sawgrass Expressway, University Boulevard and more. FDOT and SRS monitor the video from these cameras on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week to provide accurate information to the automated system.
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What type of information is available by dialing 511?
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Any emergency conditions in South Florida will be heard first. Then you may access:
Highways - For information on vehicular, construction, attendance, and weather-related road conditions that affect traffic.
Public Transit - For information about bus and rail transit in South Florida, you will be transferred to the appropriate agency. You will also find Airport and Seaport contact information for South Florida.
Other Services - For transfer to SunPass Customer Service, or for Florida Highway Patrol contact information.
Other 511 Systems - For transfer to other 511 systems, including Tampa Bay, Statewide Florida and Central Florida systems.
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What are some Helpful Tips for using 511?
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When you dial 511 there's no need to wait for the 511 Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) to prompt you. If you know what highway information you want, simply name the highway.
For those highways with unique names like "Dolphin Expressway", "State Road 60", "Southern Boulevard", or "University Drive", thre is no need to add a county name. As soon as the 511 phone conncection is made, even during the 511 system's welcoming speach - "You've reached the SunGuide Traffic and Public Transit Travel Information Service for South Florida, brought to you by the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority" - you can simply name the highway or road for which you want information.
The same information can still be found at the website www.511southflorida.com where you can create a specific route and view traffic incidents that may affect the route, view traffic from live cameras, and set up your own custom traffic alerts.
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What are the tricks for navigating 511 faster and more efficiently?
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One way to move through the 511 Interactive Voice System (IVR)faster is to interrupt the system (barge-in). Here are a few IVR shortcuts:
If you want: you only have to say:
I-95 I-95
US 1 US 1...Miami
Florida Turnpike Turnpike
US 441/SR7 4-41...Miami
Lejeune Rd/42nd Ave 42nd Avenue
Red Rd/57 Avenue Red Road
Galloway Rd/87th Ave 87th Avenue
Airport Expwy/SR112 Airport Expressway
Dolphin Expwy/SR836 Dolphin Expressway
Palmetto Expwy/SR826 Palmetto Expressway
Other tricks for faster and more efficient navigation are using the following commands:
To Repeat - To repeat information just say "Repeat."
To skip - To skip information say "Next".
To Get Help - To get help just say "Help."
Go to Main Menu - Just say "Main Menu" at any time.
Main Menu Choices: Highways and Counties.
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Why does the 511 System not recognize what I am saying?
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511 uses state-of-the-art voice-design and voice-recognition to guide you through the menu options. Sometimes the system might have a difficult time recognizing your response due to one of the following reasons:
You are saying something that the system is not programmed to recognize at a particular menu.
There could be background noise that prevents the system from recognizing your request
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What can I do when the 511 system cannot recognize what I am saying?
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Please speak as clearly as possible and try to minimize any background noise. If it is still unsuccessful, you can also ask for help at anytime simply by saying the word "Help." The system automatically gives the caller information specific to the question just asked.
South Florida 511 also allows you to provide touch-tone (DTMF) input at various stages of the system. See the next question and answer with South Florida Route Codes for touch-tone entries.
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Is there a list for touch-tone entries recognized by the 511 system?
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Yes. The complete listing of Route Codes for the South Florida 511 follows.
There are some common sense rules that were used for the creation of route codes.
They are not universally true, but offer a good start, as illustrated here.
Most Interstates, US Routes, and State Routes - Use the route number followed by #. For Example: I-95 information is available by pressing 95#. For US 1 in Miami enter 13#, for US 441/SR7 in Miami enter 4413#.
Expressways take on their SR #. For the Airport Expressway enter 112#, for Dolphin Expressway enter 836#, for Palmetto Expressway enter 826#.
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SunPass®
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What is SunPass®?
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SunPass® is a statewide Prepaid Toll Program being implemented by the Florida Department of Transportation on most of Florida's toll roads. The innovative system incorporates the latest in prepaid toll programs, saving commuters time and money, while creating more efficient, less congested roadways.
A small, pocket sized device called "the transponder" is attached inside your car windshield -- just below the rearview mirror -- which communicates with special toll plaza antennas. As the car passes through the toll plaza, the plaza equipment electronically deducts the toll charge from the customer's toll Prepaid Account.
To learn more about SunPass and becoming a SunPass Customer go to www.sunpass.com
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What is the SunPass® Prepaid Toll Program?
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SunPass® is a statewide Prepaid Toll Program being implemented by the Florida Department of Transportation on most of Florida toll roads. The innovative system incorporates the latest in prepaid toll programs, saving commuters time and money, while creating more efficient, less congested roadways.
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How does the SunPass Prepaid Toll Program work?
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Small, pocket sized device called "the transponder" is attached inside your car windshield -- just below the rearview mirror -- which communicates with special toll plaza antennas. As the car passes through the toll plaza dedicated to mixed-use lanes, the plaza equipment electronically deducts the toll charge from the customer's toll Prepaid Account.
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How do I sign up for SunPass?
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Motorists can order online or by calling our SunPass Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-TOLL-FLA
(1-888-865-5352).
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Are there SunPass toll discounts?
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Read More about the latest information on SunPass user discounts for Florida's Turnpike, local expressways, bridges and toll roads.
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How do you know when your Prepaid Account balance is low?
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Listen to your transponder as you travel through a SunPass lane. When the account balance is low the transponder will emit a series of tones: high-low-high-low and you will see a yellow light. You can also visit our website, www.sunpass.com, and view your account balance online.
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Is the Prepaid Toll Program really faster than manual toll plazas?
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The Prepaid Toll Program is much more efficient than manual toll collection. Dedicated SunPass lanes process up to 1,800 vehicles per hour -- 300 percent more than a manual toll lane.
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MDX
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What is MDX?
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MDX is the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, an independent authority that oversees, operates and maintains five expressways: State Road 924 (Gratigny Parkway), State Road 112 (Airport Expressway), State Road 836 (Dolphin Expressway), State Road 874 (Don Shula Expressway), and State Road 878 (Snapper Creek Expressway).
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Traffic Incident Management
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What is the Traffic Incident Management team?
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The Miami-Dade Traffic Incident Management team develops recommendations that will provide a safe, efficient, and appropriate multi-agency response to and removal of traffic incidents in Miami-Dade County through timely and accurate detection and verification.
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Who are the members of the Miami-Dade TIM team?
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The Miami-Dade TIM team brings together a number of public and private sector partners including the following entities and services responsible for responding to incidents:
• Law enforcement
• Emergency management
• Fire and rescue
• Towing and recovery
• Emergency medical services
• Hazardous materials contractors
• Transportation
• Traffic information media
• Public safety communications
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Señales de Rampa de Acceso
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Señales de rampa de acceso han sido instaladas recientemente en el condado de Miami- Dade a lo largo de la I-95. ¿Por qué esta pasando ésto y por qué tenemos que supervisar el flujo del tráfico?
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Señales de rampa de acceso son una técnica de dirección de tráfico importante diseñada para asegurar que el tráfico fluya en las autopistas y ayudar a reducir accidentes. Con la congestión de tráfico en constante aumento hoy día, la dirección del sistema de transporte es vital para el movimiento de la gente y mercancías en todas partes de la región.
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¿Como és que las señales de rampas de acceso en autopistas ayudan a mejorar el flujo del tráfico?
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Generalmente, muchos autos tratan de convergir al mismo tiempo en la autopista. Los conductores reducen la velocidad para dejar a otros autos entrar, y éstas fluctuaciones de velocidad causan congestionamiento rápidamente. Si los autos entran en la autopista en una manera controlada, los autos se combinarán de manera más fácil y con menos interrupción al tráfico de la via principal. Una corta espera en la rampa permite que los conductores aumenten su velocidad media y acorten el tiempo de viaje. Regular el flujo de tráfico que entra en las autopista significa que podemos acomodar un número mas alto de autos por hora en la autopista, mejorar el tiempo que se toman en la autopista, y proveer un grado más alto de seguridad.
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¿Serán todas las señales de rampas de acceso operadas de la misma manera?
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Sí, todas las señales de rampas de acceso a lo largo de la I-95 en el condado de Miami-Dade esencialmente operarán de la misma manera. De acuerdo a las características individuales de cada rampa de acceso, puede ser que hayan algunas variantes menores para asegurar que las señales trabajen de manera efectiva para la condición particular de cada localidad específica. Todas las rampas de acceso con señales tendrán una señal a la entrada de la rampa de acceso que anunciará a los conductores si las señales estan funcionando o no. Además habrá una señal al final de la rampa de acceso y una barra blanca de parada en el pavimento, asi como señales con direcciones especiales si éstas fueran necesarias. Cuando use una rampa de acceso con sistema de señales recuerde seguir tres pasos básicos:
- Las señales de las rampas de acceso trabajan como cualquier otra señal de tráfico: rojo significa “pare” y verde significa “avance”.
- Instrucciones especiales siempre aparecerán en la señal de la rampa, en la luz y en otras señales en la rampa. Por ejemplo:
- Mientras estén operacionales, las señales localizadas en o cerca a rampas de acceso con señales, estarán ilumindas. Por ejemplo, señales que leen “Señales Operacionales Mientras Estén Prendiendo Intermitentemente” se encenderán para notificar a los conductores que las señales de rampa de acceso están operacionales.
- Se usarán señales al lado de las señales de las rampas de acceso para informar a los conductores que uno o dos vehículos pueden proceder adelante por cada luz verde. Estas señales leerán “Un auto cuando la luz esté verde” o “Dos autos cuando la luz esté verde”.
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¿Por qué algunas señales de rampa de acceso están operacionales mientras otras están apagadas? ¿Hay horas diferentes?
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El objetivo de las señales de rampa de acceso es ayudar a regular el flujo del tráfico en las autopistas y cuando los autos convergen durante períodos de mucho tráfico. Las señales de rampas de acceso en I-95 en el condado de Miami-Dade serán "activados por demanda " - es decir que las señales encenderán basandoce en el flujo del tráfico. Lo que ésto significa es que las señales funcionarán típicamente durante períodos de tráfico pesado, como por la mañana y en la tarde durante días laborables. Las señales de rampas de acceso también pueden ser activadas en horas en que regularmente estarían apagadas en caso de un incidente en la autopista o durante eventos especiales.
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¿Por qué hay diferentes ciclos de tiempo en las señales de rampa de acceso?
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Los ciclos rojos y verdes variarán de rampa en rampa. La luz verde será típicamente conectada por dos segundos, y la luz roja puede variar entre dos a trece segundos según las condiciones en el flujo del tráfico. Estos cronometrajes serán ajustados de acuerdo a las condiciones de tráfico en ese instante. Como las señales de rampa serán "activadas por demanda", las horas de operaciones y los ciclos rojos-verdes serán controlados por el tráfico instantaneamente. Sensores en el pavimento indican como esta el volúmen del tráfico en la autopista. Los volúmenes ligeros enviarían una señal al regulador de señales de rampas de acceso para “dejarle saber”a la señal que debe acelerar los ciclos rojos-verdes para dejar más autos en la autopista. Del mismo modo, si las señales descubren que el tráfico esta más pesado en la autopista, los ciclos rojos-verdes serían ajustados para regular el volúmen de los autos a convergir de manera mas segura.
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¿Cuál es el tiempo de espera en las rampas de acceso con señales?
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Las esperas variarán dependiendo de cuantos autos estén delante de usted en la rampa. En la situación más lenta - trece segundos rojo y dos segundos verde en el ciclo- ésto permitiría cuatro autos a entrar a un carril específico cada minuto; en la situación más rápida, quince autos podrían entrar por cada minuto. Para aquellos viajando una distancia larga en una o varias autopistas, el tiempo dedicado el en la rampa de acceso es ganado - y más - con velocidades más rápidas en la autopista. Según la localidad y la hora del día, si una persona viaja una corta distancia en horas de alto tráfico el usar una calle regular podría ser tan rápido (o más rápido). Además, algunas rampas de acceso con señales serán usadas con menos frecuencia que otras, y la espera será más corta en esas localidades.
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¿Pueden las señales de rampa de acceso ahorrar tiempo y/o dinero a los conductores en las autopistas?
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Durante varios años, cada rampa de acceso con señales de tráfico ha sido parte de pruebas exhaustivas de "antes y después" usando contadores electrónicos,sensores en el pavimento, estudios de computadora, y hasta fotografía. Los sistemas con señales de rampa de acceso muestran que las velocidades medias en las autopistas principales aumentan y a veces aumentan considerablemente.
Con la futura implementación de las señales de rampa de acceso, se estima que habrá:
- Reducción en el tiempo usado en tráfico debido al alivio de congestión del tráfico.
- Ahorro en gasolina debido a menos interrupciones de tráfico en vías principales
- Ahorro debido a las estadísticas de accidentes que muestra reducción en los mismos.
- Un aumento en el ahorro de tiempo de viajes debido a el bajo flujo de tráfico y menos congestión que permitirá más consistencia en el tiempo de viaje durante la operación de las señales de rampas de acceso.
,/ul>
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¿La instalación de las señales es costosa?
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En términos de la inversión, no, porque los ahorros acumulados a usuarios produce dividendos más altos que los gastos mínimos implicados.
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¿Hacen éstas señales de las rampas de acceso más seguras las autopistas?
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Hablando en terminos generales, con la implementacion de las señales de rampas de acceso, estudios de “antes y despues” indican que los accidents de tráfico han reducido de manera significante. El Departmento de Transportación de Minnesota condujo un estudio de las condiciones de la autopista con las señales de rampa de acceso apagadas. Un total de 430 señales de rampas en el área metropolitana de Minneapolis/St. Paul fueron apagadas for un periodo de seis semanas durante el otoño del año 2000, y los resultados demonstraron un beneficio definitivo en favor de las señales de rampa de acceso. Con las señales apagadas hubo un 26% aumento en accidentes – los choques por detrás aumentaron casi un 15%, los accidentes con autos “fuera de la carretera” aumentaron un 60%, y los accidentes de colición por el lado del auto aumentaron un 200%. Pruebas demonstraron que la mayoria de los accidentes que ocurren en las autopistas, occurren durante períodos en que el tráfico se mueve intermitentemente por culpa de conductores que no prestan atención al tráfico. Las señales de rampas de acceso proveen un flujo de tráfico mas consistente, que minimiza este problema.
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¿Seguirá aumentando el congestionamiento durante horas de alto tráfico en los lugares dónde se supone que éstas nuevas señales de rampa de acceso ayuden a aumentar el flujo de tráfico?
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En general, la congestión alrededor del área del condado de Miami-Dade crecerá constantemente, pero el tipo de congestión a que nos referimos es conocido como "embotellamiento". Siempre que el tráfico entre en una autopista - y luego cambie de carril en carril - creará un patrón que reduce la marcha detrás de la zona de entrada. Esto es cierto con o sin las señales. Las señales de rampa de acceso ayudan a controlar la entrada de los autos en la autopista a un grado estable y seguro, aún cuando los carriles en la autopista esten congestionados.
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Con el aumento en el precio del combustible, y preocupaciones por el uso de energía y la calidad del aire, el tener todos estos autos parados en rampas de acceso parecería ser una pérdida de tiempo y un aumento en la contaminación del ambiente.¿Es esto correcto?
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No, no es correcto. La energía y la calidad de aire mejoraran al mantener el flujo del tráfico en la autopista más rápido. Mientras los autos obviamente queman un poco de gas esperando en una rampa de acceso con señales, la velocidad promedia es aumentada en la autopista. El frecuencia del tráfico intermitente es reducido en la autopista, y este es lo que realmente usa la mayor parte de la gasolina. En términos de calidad de aire, los expertos ambientales han concluido que los programas de señal de rampa ligeramente reducen las cantidades de óxido nitroso, monóxido de carbono, e hidrocarbonos reactivos - los contaminadores en la niebla tóxica. Reiterando, mientras no podría haber ninguna diferencia marcada en las rampas de acceso, con la reducción de el tráfico intermitente en la autopista y el flujo del tráfico suprimido, la calidad de aire mejora realmente.
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El impacto de las señales de rampa de acceso en las calles de ciudades adyacentes, ¿prodría éste programa crear una congestión localizada severa?
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No. Hay dos modos en las que las señales de rampa podrían afectar negativamente el tráfico en las calles de ciudad adyacentes. El primero apoya el tráfico de las rampas de acceso hacia calles de ciudad de via principal. El Departmento de Transportación de Florida se ha dirigido a este problema instalando detectores automáticos que alertan cuando se crea una linea de autos en la rampa y envía una alarma que acelera las señales para evitar que el tráfico se congestione hacia las calles de la ciudad. Sin embargo, si las lineas de autos existen actualmente, éstas no serán eliminadas con las señales.
Además, es importante el recordar que por lo general hay cierta confusion durante los primeros días de los projectos de señales de tráfico, que pueden causar un poco de congestión cerca de las rampas. Según los conductores se vayan acostumbrando a las nuevas señales y ajustando sus patrones de viaje, esta congestión temporera desaparecerá.
En casos donde el tráfico sigue retrocediendo en la rampa, la mayor parte de los problemas pueden ser manejados ajustando el cronometraje de las señales. El Departamento de Ttransportación de la Florida supervisará estrechamente cada señal y hará las modificaciones que sean necesarias.
El segundo caso en que las señales de rampa pueden afectar adversamente es la desviación de tráfico a calles de ciudad debido a la reserva y el tiempo de espera entrando en la autopista. Esta cuestión ha sido estudiada extensivamente en ciudades donde las señales de rampa fueron instaladas y demuestran que en aquellos casos donde el tráfico ha aumentado en calles de ciudad, el volúmen no ha sido tan significativo como para afectar la operación de estas calles.
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¿Qué de la gente que viola los semáforos en la rampa de acceso con señales?
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Las señales de rampa son consideradas dispositivos de control de tráfico y el no obedecer un dispositivo de control de tráfico es sujeto a reglas de imposición y multas. En el Condado de Miami-Dade el costo de recibir una cita por no obedecer un dispositivo de control de tráfico es de entre 85 dólares hasta 100 o más dólares. La Patrulla de Carretera de Florida será responsable de hacer cumplir las señales de rampa de acceso.
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¿Con carriles manejados y collectas de usuarios en I-95, habrá un precio o peaje para usar las señales de rampa de acceso?
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No hay cargos por usar las señales de rampa.
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