GIS-based Sign Inventory Solution

We are underway building a repeatable solutions framework that complies with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) retroreflectivity mandated standards.  The solution establishes the means to improve the nighttime visibility of traffic signs to promote safety, enhance traffic operations and facility comfort and convenience for all drivers of all ages and abilities.  Benefits include:

• Asset management
• Safety
• Life cycle analysis
• Tort liability

The GIS-based Sign Inventory Solution is a mobile and web enabled framework built on ESRI ArcGIS Server-based that is a repeatable framework for other cities and counties looking for a system to support the FHWA retroreflectivity standards.  GISi is using the ArcGIS Mobile SDK to develop a mobile sign inventory application to run on mobile data collection devices.  Field users can make changes to the sign inventory at or near real time if cellular connections are available or when field users return from the field and place the unit into a networked docking station (or gain access to the network via a wireless hotspot).  The GIS-based sign inventory system is managed using a Flex API administrative dashboard.  The GIS-based sign inventory system uses the ESRI ArcGIS Server Enterprise Advanced framework.

So why is this solution useful to state and local governments?

Well the cost of each traffic fatality is currently more than $1.1 million and each disabling injury exceeds $50,000 (per individual, not per crash). (Estimating the costs of unintentional injuries, 2005, National Safety Council at www.nsc.org) In increasing numbers, citizens are suing public agencies over road deficiencies that can include traffic signs and markings or failure to comply with the MUTCD.

• Claims have grown at a rate of 16% per year since 1972(Turner, D.S. et al, Effects of tort liability on roadway design decisions, TRB Issue 1512)
• State and local agencies are experiencing dramatic increases in tort litigation involving claims of personal injury and property damage(Smith, J.L, et al, Transportation tort law, TRB, TR News, issue 205)

Also the Federally-mandated minimum sign retroreflectivity standards became final on January 22, 2008. FHWA changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) are designed to improve the night visibility of traffic signs. This mandate requires state and local agencies to:

• Assess the signs on their roads and develop a replacement plan within four years of the final ruling (2012).
• Replace non-compliant warning and regulatory signs within seven years of the final ruling (2015).
• Replace guidance and street name signs within ten years of the final ruling (2018).

Our solution is cost-effective, reduces liability, is easy to use, easy to manage, and is easy to customize based on the agency’s specific needs.  We are excited to implement these solutions.