2010 Technical Session Descriptions
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
State of the Art – Roadway Lighting Technology
Mike Licalzi, Arlington County, VA, Moderator, along with panelists Paul Batchelor, Region of Halton, ON and Ray Purdy, Southwest Section IMSA
A panel of experts will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various technologies used in roadway lighting including sodium vapor, metal halide, induction lighting and LED technologies.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Efficiently control, monitor, manage, maintain and secure your preemption system right from your desktop
Pat Cosgrove, Global Traffic Technologies
The use of emergency vehicle preemption and transit signal priority is expanding rapidly in many communities increasing the level of support required from the traffic department. With high-speed communications to the intersection becoming pervasive, much of the management of the preemption and TSP system can now be done from the traffic shop, minimizing the need to send a technician to the intersection. During this presentation, you will learn how preemption and priority systems can be managed remotely through central management software. The discussion will include system analysis for potential performance issues, managing system security across jurisdictions, monitoring for system abuse, how to remotely monitor, troubleshoot and maintain preemption and priority systems and understanding overall system usage resulting in improved system performance with reduced staffing costs.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Traffic Incident Management (TIM) and IMSA Certification & Training
Dave Bergner, City of Overland Park, KS Moderator, along with panelists William Moroski, IMSA Michigan Section and Robert Janosi, Miami Dade County, FL
This panel will present recent developments in Traffic Incident Management (TIM) including the requirements contained in the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The panel will discuss how TIM will affect technicians working in the field and other responders and adding TIM information to IMSA certification programs
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Demystifying LED Street Lighting Technology for municipalities and utilities across the country
Dan Polito and Michael Schratz, Dialight Corporation
This presentation will explain, in simple terms, LED Lighting Technology and the benefits for general street lighting applications. To date, there is no governing certification (such as Energy Star) or a mandate from the Federal Government to make the switch to LED technology. However, LED technology has evolved to the point where light output and reliability meet or exceed other current technologies.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 10:30 – Noon
SIGNS OF THE FUTURE
Mike Haley and Joanne Conrad, TAPCO
This session will cover the new Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Standards for Traffic Signs. There are significant changes to the MUTCD standards for traffic signs in the year 2010 including replacing many standard signs with symbol signs and placards. There are also changes to text size, and revised sign size tables. These are just a few examples of changes that will give our roads a more international look and assist visitors to better understand US traffic control.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 10:30 – Noon
Light Rail Systems and Their Interaction With Traffic Control Systems
Thomas Stiles, Siemens Industry Inc.
The speaker will discuss the need for more thought on the subject of how light rail systems interact with existing traffic control systems. He will share his experience gained through the implementation of several light rail systems. This "lessons learned" approach will include discussions on design, integration, and maintenance of these systems, things to consider during the design stage, existing software, the condition of existing signal systems and who will maintain the system. The discussion will also include the hazards involved with a light rail system, specialized equipment, safety and the tight maintenance periods where work will be allowed.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Bicycle Detection and Timing - The California Mandate
Lewis E. Roberts, Iteris, Inc.
It has been one year since the state of California mandated all agencies provide bicycle detection and specific timing at all new and upgraded intersections within the state. Agencies were aware of the pending requirements for detection but the additional requirement of specific timing for bicycles has become a hot bed of contention. With the emphasis on improved coordination of traffic signals, this requirement results in yet another critical aspect in achieving a high level of service to the motoring public. This presentation will provide two case studies on the results, costs and impact of the required implementation.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Signs & Markings Retro-reflectivity Requirements for the 2009 MUTCD
Colby Kost, City of Olathe, KS, Facilitator and David Woosley, P.E., City of Lawrence, KS
A discussion of recent FHWA sign and pavement marking retro-reflectivity requirement issues. Discussions will center on successful methodologies, proper understanding of requirements and project management.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
WHAT TRAINING DO PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY TELECOMMUNICATORS NEED?
Gus Woodman, City of Avondale, AZ, Moderator, along with panelists Hans Kristensen, IBEW LU#117 JATC, and Mike Flanigan, City of Mississauga, ON.
This panel will explore the existing training available to non first responder public safety telecommunicators. Discussion will center of the types of training and certification that are appropriate for public works agency telecommunicators.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Loop Detection Made Easy - The Right Tools Always Make the Job Easier
Jon Muilenberg, Eberle Design Inc.
Many technical advances have been made to the inductive loop detector that make the job of installing and operating these devices simple but effective. These advances range from a more intuitive and dynamic user interface to advanced features, such as highly accurate counting and paired channels functions. Heightened concern about motorcycle detection has made proper programming of detectors very important.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
The Effects of the Smart Grid on Traffic & ITS Systems
Dr. Joseph Palsa, P.E., Clary Corporation
Potential benefits of a Smart Grid are claimed to be a major step forward for the nation and the power industry. Features and benefits to individual applications and consumers are being debated and planned for the long term future. Transportation systems could change dramatically based on decisions under government direction. The speaker will discuss how the industry can prepare itself by proper planning and designing of systems to increase reliability and efficiency of equipment. This presentation will cover what the Smart Grid is, what the Smart Grid objectives are and what the traffic industry can do to control it’s own destiny.
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Updates on Wireless Vehicle Sensor Networks
Michael Volling, Sensys Networks
The speaker will present information on the latest technology in wireless sensor networks. The focus of this session will be on the underlying principles, latest advances and the design of wireless sensor networks including an introduction to basic networks and how to deploy them.
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Beyond Basics - Understanding Signal Coordination/Timing
Brian Wagner, McCain Inc..
The presentation is geared to solidify the attendee’s understanding of basic signal coordination and timing including cycle length, force-offs/splits, purpose and understanding of offsets, phase sequence (lead/lag operations), other coordination parameters and coordination transitions. The speaker will cover the benefits of coordinated signal timing and tips to consider when re-coordinating an intersection. The presentation will include a discussion regarding regional considerations in ITS applications and an introduction to adaptive coordination.
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Best Practices - Conducting & Managing a Sign Inventory
Colby Kost, City of Olathe, KS, Facilitator and David Woosley, P.E., City of Lawrence, KS.
A discussion of conducting and managing a sign inventory. Discussion will revolve around the advantages and disadvantages of the processes presented. Sign inventories have assumed new importance due to FHWA administration guidelines and associated deadlines for retroreflectivity management.
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Troubleshooting Fiber Optic Intelligent Transportation Systems
Larry Johnson, The Light Brigade, Inc.
Testing and troubleshooting fiber-optic traffic systems offers many challenges and complexities for network operators, whether they work with a legacy analog system or a new digital coarse wavelength division multiplexing system. The three basic operational concerns for fiber optic communication systems - attenuation, dispersion, and reflection - require specialized knowledge not only during the system design phase but throughout the specification and purchasing stages as well. This session will break down each type of system test that should be performed along with the equipment that is required for that task. The speaker will also cover test reports for proper quality control to determine compliance. Various options that determine the best value for capital equipment budgets and associated staff requirements will also be discussed.
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 10:30 - Noon
IMSA Wire & Cable Specifications – Why, What and How
Jeff Knight, City of Newton, MA and Leo Martin Jr., Martin Electrical Consulting
This Technical Session will incorporate a comprehensive review of the IMSA Wire and Cable Specification System. Attendees will learn about the purpose, usage, navigation, and application of the current IMSA Wire and Cable Specifications. Mr. Knight, chair of the IMSA Wire & Cable Specifications Committee and the IMSA Wired Technologies Group and Mr. Martin, Secretary of the IMSA Wire & Cable Committee will clearly identify and explain the current requirements along with upcoming changes and new technology. The scope and mission of the newly established IMSA Wired Technologies Group will also be presented.
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 10:30 - Noon
Protecting Sensitive Electronic Equipment
Mark Yerse, Eaton Corporation and Glenna Strickler, G & G Technologies Corp.
The application of surge protective devices (SPDs) is vital to the reliability and uptime of the systems they protect. This session will cover basic surge theory, symptoms of damage caused by surge related events, and SPD design and application considerations. Particular focus will be on UL1449, 3rd Edition, the standard that SPDs must comply with. This standard recently underwent major changes. All new terminology, along with the major changes to the standard, will be covered.
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Technical Advances in Signal Monitors
Scott Evans, Eberle Design Inc..
The speaker will discuss the many technical advances that have been made to the cabinet signal monitor (conflict monitor) over the years which have improved their reliability and effectiveness in detecting and diagnosing cabinet and field wiring malfunctions. Advances in the built-in tools have made initial set-up programming both quick and accurate, reducing the possibility of programming errors that could allow unsafe operation of the intersection. Built-in tools also provide expert assistance in diagnosing the source of cabinet malfunctions. Ethernet remote communications and support for new signal sequences such as Flashing Yellow Arrow will also be discussed
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Opportunities for Improving Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety, Mobility and Accessibility at Mid-block and Intersection Crosswalks
William Klyczek, Traficon USA
Bicycling and walking should be incorporated into all transportation designs unless exceptional circumstances exist. For pedestrians aged 65 and over, and for those with impairments (mobility, seeing, hearing, and/or cognitive impairments), the most significant transportation system factors are signal crossing times, adequate lighting and maintenance of facilities. This session is designed to assist the attendee with improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety, mobility and accessibility. The discussion will include existing and improved technologies for accessible pedestrian signal crossing.
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Ethernet Communications and TCP/ICP addressing for the Traffic Signal Industry
Joe Strauss, City and County of Denver, CO
This session will provide an introductory class on Ethernet communications and its advantages and disadvantages. The focus will be addressing requirements for this type of communication and how it can be applied to allow agencies to expand their existing infrastructure without the expense of completely rebuilding it. Applications include multiple types of data as well as video signals of a single channel of communications. The speaker will provide an overview of the capabilities and requirements of Ethernet communications and discuss TCP/IP addressing and how it can help to separate different types of communications of the same circuit. Attendees will learn basic topologies for Ethernet communications and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Today's Wireless Broadband Options (Wi-Fi / WiMAX / Proprietary)
Jeremy Hiebert, Intuicom, Inc.
The primary objective of this session will be to provide a clear understanding of wireless broadband technologies. The speaker will highlight and examine today's wireless broadband options including Wi-Fi/802.11x, WiMAX/802.16x and Proprietary Wireless. The discussion will also address basic wireless theory, interoperability, interference avoidance, security, link budget math and site surveys. Implementation tips, real-world experiences and wireless traffic case studies will be shared throughout the presentation.
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
What Positions, Standards, Specifications and Best Practices Should IMSA Advocate?
Craig Mackenzie, City of Vancouver, BC, Moderator, along with panelists William Moroski, IMSA Michigan Section, Joe Herr, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Lonnie Tebow, IMSA Director of Transportation and Traffic Programs Office and Douglas Aiken, Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid.
This panel of experts will discuss IMSA's role in the advocacy of policies, procedures and best practices. What positions on important issues should IMSA take to achieve its fundamental goals and objectives?
Monday, June 28, 2010, 8:00 AM
IMSA Annual Breakfast Keynote Speaker
Timothy H. McKay, P.E., Senior Vice President, Rail Program Development, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
As senior vice president of the Rail Program Development at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Tim McKay directs one of the largest and most ambitious light rail expansion projects in the country, along with a host of other major capital projects, including bus facilities and rail vehicles. Currently, DART is working to double its existing light rail network by the end of 2013 with the completion of the 28-mile Green Line linking southeast and northwest Dallas in 2010 and the three-phased opening of the 14-mile Orange Line serving North Irving/Las Colinas in 2011 and 2012, and DFW International Airport in 2013. A 4.5-mile extension of the Blue Line connecting Downtown Garland and Rowlett is also slated to open in 2012 and DART expects to open a second downtown Dallas rail line in 2016. Mr. McKay also oversees DART’s commuter rail and railroad management, facilities engineering, construction management, systems engineering, technical services real estate, and quality assurance areas.
Monday, June 28, 2010, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Communications for Traffic Signal Systems
Joe Strauss, City and County of Denver, CO
This presentation will focus on a basic discussion of the methods of signal communications, serial or Ethernet, and types of hardware such as twisted pair, fiber optic, radio, etc. This session is intended for those who have never done any type of communications infrastructure work or those who would like a basics refresher. The speaker will cover the advantages and disadvantages of different types of communications, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of interconnect materials and basic set up and addressing procedures as well as troubleshooting methods.
Monday, June 28, 2010, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Social Media & IMSA
Lonnie Tebow, IMSA Director of Transportation and Traffic Programs Office
Explore the definitions of “social media”, “web 2.0”, “cloud computing” as well as other Internet technologies and how IMSA is using them. Learn about the IMSA social media sites and some ways to use them. The session will discuss the future of IMSA in social media and the Internet. Attendees will learn how to benefit by contributing content and making use of the information posted on these sites.
Monday, June 28, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
CHANGES IN THE 2009 MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD)
Donald Fullerton, City of Jacksonville, FL, William Moroski, IMSA Michigan Section, and David Woosley, P.E., City of Lawrence, KS.
This is your opportunity to learn about the changes contained in the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) from three seasoned professionals who represent IMSA on the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD). They will provide valuable information contained in the recent release from FHWA.
Monday, June 28, 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Safe Phase Termination Workshop
Brad Giles and Jonathan Waite, Wavetronix LLC
The speakers will present a review of safety data related to type I and II dilemma zones at high-speed signalized intersections. Attendees will have the opportunity to solve workbook problems related to stopping sight-distance, maximum allowable headway, motorist stop-versus-go probabilities and arrival time in order to determine yellow clearance timing and design advance detection systems. The session will also include the design of static systems using one or more point detectors and dynamic systems using continuous tracking advance detectors. Published safety and efficiency statistics related to these systems will be reviewed.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Best Practices - Determining Traffic Signal Maintenance & Operations Staffing
Joe Herr, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., Moderator, along with panelist Joe Molinaro, Naztec Inc.
The FHWA Traffic Signal Staffing Manual and IMSA/ITE Traffic Signal Maintenance Handbook provide methods for determining the staffing needed to meet an agencies mission. The panel will discuss the factors that should be taken into consideration when calculating staffing and whether the methods in the manuals are adequate.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Video Analytics - Moving to The Edge
Mike Girton, Optelecom-NKF, Inc.
Video Analytics is a technology that is used to analyze video for specific data, behavior, objects or attitude. This session will describe the advantages and disadvantages of moving video analytics in the traffic industry to the edge equipment. The speaker will discuss the state-of-the-art of video analytics and how to apply this technology to existing systems.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Discussion and Methodologies for Joining and Securing High Speed Wireless Traffic and Municipal Data Networks
Dan Szgatti, Encom Wireless Data Solutions
The tremendous growth in wired and wireless data networking capabilities of transportation equipment has spawned questions concerning the security involved with the joining of municipal and traffic networks. These new data networking capabilities for video detection, full motion video and the access to other public safety or municipal services are an opportunity to share information in ways that were previously unheard of. The speaker will explain how sharing can increase the efficiency of traffic operations.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 10:30 – Noon
THE IMSA/ITE TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE HANDBOOK - PROMOTING MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT
Lonnie Tebow, IMSA Director of Transportation and Traffic Programs Office, Moderator, along with panelists Joe Molinaro, Naztec Inc, Joe Herr, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. and Jay Heffelfinger, IMSA Rocky Mountain Section
This panel of traffic industry experts will discuss the importance of traffic signal maintenance management and the relevance of the IMSA/ITE Traffic Signal Maintenance Handbook in assisting technicians and managers in improving their programs. Discussion will include what additional projects, programs and positions IMSA should take to promote maintenance management.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 10:30 – Noon
Grounding Practices for Traffic Control Systems
Robert Duncan, RO Associates
A high integrity, single point grounding system for traffic control systems is the single most effective way to assure minimum electrical noise interference and lightning damage. Understanding how the key elements of a grounding system function and how to resolve common problems is essential to keeping these systems operating at peak performance. Attendees will learn about grounding electrode systems, single point grounding techniques and proper bonding methods applicable to traffic control system cabinets, AC power disconnect switches and signal light poles.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Radar Stopbar Detection Workshop
Thomas Karlinsey and Randy St. John, Wavetronix LLC
A basic foundation in the science of radar detection will be presented in order to investigate the strengths and limitations of radar technology for detecting traffic at the stop bar. The detection topics of ranging, antenna beam width, transmission bandwidth, range resolution, weather effects, occlusion and multipath will be explored through workbook problems. Utilizing video and radar playback presentations, attendees will see how multi-beam radar can be used to generate two-dimensional traffic images with accurate latitudinal and longitudinal information. Radar installation and configuration considerations for integration into standard traffic controllers will also be explored using a software lab and quizzes.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
FRISCO, TX PUBLIC SAFETY TOUR
You will be transported to the City of Frisco, TX. Frisco holds a Class 1 public protection rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and is one of only two cities in Texas and one of sixty communities nationwide to hold this rating. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the Frisco Fire Safety Town – a unique 5/8th scale community where over 100,000 students have learned about safety in an interactive environment. The tour will continue to the Frisco Emergency Operations Center which has been certified as an advanced level facility containing state-of-the-art technology that supports twenty two functional annexes. Participants will also climb aboard the Frisco Fire Department Special Operations Mobile Command and Control Center.
