Using Vehicle Probe Data to Evaluate Speed Limits on Texas Highways

Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT's) current practice is to conduct numerous speed studies throughout the year to determine if the speed limits should be changed due to new traffic patterns, development, crash history, and other factors. These studies are driven by stakeholder requests or as part of routine annual reviews. The number of studies performed at any given time is limited by staff and consultant resources, resulting in a process that can take several months to complete. Can the increasing availability of vehicle probe data, along with other big datasets, be used to reduce the level of effort and time needed to collect speed data? If so, what data can be readily obtained from big data sources and what procedure would be needed to refine the use of probe speed information and produce speed limit recommendations that are consistent with the sound engineering practices currently used by TxDOT staff? This project will explore if there are more efficient methods for conducting Texas speed limit studies that would allow TxDOT districts to be more pro-active and responsive with their speed zone program. Such a program would also provide a much safer method of collecting speed data, especially on high-speed and controlled access highways.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Completed
  • Funding: $399982
  • Contract Numbers:

    0-7156

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Texas Department of Transportation

    125 E. 11th Street
    Austin, TX  United States  78701-2483
  • Managing Organizations:

    Texas Department of Transportation

    125 E. 11th Street
    Austin, TX  United States  78701-2483
  • Project Managers:

    Jensen, Darrin

  • Performing Organizations:

    Texas A&M Transportation Institute

    Texas A&M University System
    3135 TAMU
    College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
  • Principal Investigators:

    Fitzpatrick, Kay

  • Start Date: 20220901
  • Expected Completion Date: 20240831
  • Actual Completion Date: 20240831

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01863350
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Texas Department of Transportation
  • Contract Numbers: 0-7156
  • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Nov 3 2022 5:00PM