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Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning on Freeway Operations

• Jul 2, 2019

Research Description

The transportation industry is on the verge of monumental changes. The power of connectivity and data demonstrates the potential of utilizing emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to benefit freeway operations. While AI and ML technologies have been successfully implemented in different industries, it is important to recognize that they are not cure-all solutions and should be viewed as one of many options when facing freeway operational problems. To better understand the functions, capabilities, and limitations of AI and ML technologies, and to ensure safe integrations of such technologies into freeway operations, there is a need to foster research in areas such as: - Potential user cases for AI and ML in freeway operations o Incident identification and classification o Violation identification in managed freeway facilities o Asset management and preventive maintenance o Travel demand management strategies - Software, hardware, and/or staff requirements for successful AI/ML implementations for the system operators o criteria for the future development of standards or guidelines o roadmap towards successful implementation - Mature, easily-implementable AI/ML opportunities for demonstrations and early deployment in a pilot program. o Before-after comparisons with qualitative/quantitative cost-benefit analysis o Advantages and drawbacks compared to other data analytical approaches

Additional Supporting Information

In assessing the impacts of AI and ML on freeway operations, the research team is expected to develop future-ready strategies for the freeway system, as well as system operating agencies.

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Submitted By

Jim Katsafanas

Michael Baker International

412-269-4635

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