Services

The TOPS Laboratory provides several services related to Traffic and Safety Engineering. The following describes the core service areas the TOPS Laboratory supports:

Core Service Area 1: Traffic Operations & Safety Engineering

  • Microscopic Traffic Modeling
  • 3D/4D Modeling of Transportation Systems
  • Signal System Design & Timing Plan Support
  • Safety Audits
  • Hazard Elimination Projects
  • Crash Analysis Support
  • Pedestrian/Bicycle Studies
  • Local Community Speed Studies
  • Driver Behavior/Comprehension Studies
  • Human Factors Studies
  • Full-Scale Driver Simulation Studies
  • Work Zone Congestion Management
  • Variable Speed Limits Research
  • Winter Related VMS Use
  • Traffic Inventory (Speed Zones, Pavement Marking, etc.)
  • Traveler Warning and Information Services
  • Functional Performance Measures System Resources

Core Service Area 2: Traffic Operations Technology & Services Development

  • Public–Private Partnerships
  • Real-World Transportation Product Research and Development
  • Develop Proof of Concept / Beta Testing
  • Product Testing and Evaluation
  • Market Research
  • Hardware-in-the-loop (real-time integration between hardware and analysis programs)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Related Product Evaluation

Core Service Area 3: Traffic Operations Program Review

  • External Independent Review of Traffic Ops. And Safety Related Deliverables
  • State Traffic Operations Plan (STOP) Audit Support
  • Geometric Improvements Evaluation
  • Operations Enhancements Evaluation
  • Operations Related Program Evaluation
  • Access Management Support

Core Service Area 4: Traffic Operations Policy Support

  • State / Federal Legislative Impact Analysis
  • Communications and Outreach Planning Analysis
  • Enforcement Community Coordination

Core Service Area 5: Traffic Operations Program Administration

  • Grant Application Writing
  • Event / Conference Coordination Support
  • Outreach Development Support
  • Website / Multimedia Development
  • Technology Transfer

Core Service Area 6: Knowledge Management

  • Training Curriculum Development
  • Conduct Training Courses
  • Transportation Operations Manual Development
  • Information Clearinghouse (Training, on-line traffic resources, etc.)

Core Service Area 7: Transportation Operations Data Management

  • Transportation Operations Data Management
  • Archived Data Management System Development and Support
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Based Transportation Applications Development
  • Transportation Related Data Collection (e.g., traffic counts, license plate surveys, speed, safety belt use, etc.)
  • Prototyping of Data Management Tools