Intelligent Transportation Systems
ITS Architecture Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ITS?
A: Intelligent Transportation Systems involve ways that technology can be added to the roadway infrastructure to increase safety and efficiency. Some common examples of ITS include coordinated signal systems, road weather sensors, and dynamic message signs to relay traffic information to the traveling public.
Q: What is the purpose of an ITS architecture?
A: An ITS architecture documents how stakeholders envision that each agency's systems will work together in the future and how that sharing of information and resources will help provide a safer, more efficient, and more effective transportation system for travelers in the Region.
Q: What is the purpose of an ITS deployment plan?
A: An ITS deployment plan breaks down the services that are outlined in the architecture into smaller projects that the Region can implement sequentially over time to move toward the goals for integration that are documented in the architecture.
Q: Who is involved in developing the ITS Architecture and Deployment Plan?
A: Participants in the ITS architecture development process are representatives from traffic management, transit, and emergency management agencies.
Q: Why do we need an ITS Architecture and Deployment Plan?
A: In order to be eligible for funding of ITS projects from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), regions must show their projects are part of a regional ITS architecture.
Q: What steps are being taken to coordinate with other regional transportation planning efforts?
A: The architecture is a complement to other regional transportation planning efforts. Any ITS projects that are already identified in other planning documents have been included in the architecture to satisfy federal funding requirements. In the future the architecture and deployment plan will provide support to other regional planning efforts as they identify projects that in the future should be moved towards implementation and continue to provide the necessary documentation for federal funding.
Q: How can I keep informed on the progress of the ITS Architecture and Deployment Plan?
A: The best way to stay informed is to bookmark this web site, lawrenceplanning.org/its/ and check back frequently.
