The Argentina National Road Administration (DNV) and ATSA, an authorized Wavetronix channel partner.
To choose a method for measuring traffic data for preliminary studies. The data gathered will help the DNV determine the best way to update Argentina’s traffic systems.
The first step in creating a modern intelligent transportation system is to perform studies to understand how traffic moves on existing streets. The DNV found their traditional method of detecting traffic, inductive loops, were not adequate for the task of performing these preliminary studies for a couple of reasons. First, inductive loops are expensive to install and maintain on multi-lane roads, especially when double-loop speed traps are required to measure vehicle speed. Trenching and installation, along with the high failure rates of inductive loops, added to the costs. Second, loops are unable to accurately count lane-changing vehicles, often producing double counts for a single vehicle. These two problems exasperate each other in large cities like Buenos Aires were large multi-lane roads have many lane changing vehicles.
To find a more suitable detection system, the DNV, along with ATSA, tested a host of various non-invasive traffic counting systems. The tests involved installing equipment at 63 different measurement points located in the highway network to Buenos Aires, as well as to access routes to the cities of Corodoba, Tucumán, Rosario, Santa Fe, San Juan, Bahía Blanca, Comodoro Rivadavia and Jujuy. It also included seven portable counting stations for various positions. Of the technologies tested, the Wavetronix SmartSensor HD proved to be the most accurate, reliable and useful sensor.
The quality and quantity of data provided by SmartSensor HD means that when the time for planning is over, HD will continue to provide all the information the DNV will need.
SmartSensor HD’s dual beam design simulates a speed trap, so accurate vehicle speed is achieved without the need for a dual loop array. This helps prevent road surface degradation by eliminating the need to saw into the road. It is also safer for installers who don’t have to work in the middle of the road to install the loop array.
Another benefit comes from HD’s ability to detect traffic in up to 22 lanes, making it perfect for the large, busy highways of Argentina. HD’s detections are vehicle-based so it accurately detects lane-changing vehicles without double counting them. This also helps determine vehicle classification, even detecting smaller vehicles like motorcycles.
Additionally, the quality and quantity of data provided by SmartSensor HD means that when the time for planning is over, HD will continue to provide all the information the DNV will need to run its intelligent transportation systems. HD’s auto-configuration tool and its ability to transmit data remotely to the control center make HD a powerful to for planning and operating effective ITS.
