NJ Route 18 Traffic Signal System Contract No. 1

Mercer and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey

Michael Baker developed the Systems Engineering Documents, design documents and construction documents (PS&E Package) to support installation of an adaptive traffic signal system for 13 existing signals along Route NJ 18 in Middlesex, N.J., a heavily trafficked route for commuters and vacationers alike. The adaptive traffic signal system uses vehicle detection information to adjust signal timing based on the real-time flow of traffic. The system also allows NJDOT to remotely monitor and adjust operating parameters at each signalized intersection.

We maximized use of existing electrical conduit infrastructure and signal support poles by performing vehicle image detection design at every intersection approach roadway. The project also included the installation of 10 mid-block radar detectors to improve the adaptive system’s operations and remotely collect traffic data. Our design team developed extensive communication network diagrams and details to provide proposed intersection and mid-block detector tie-in improvements to the existing statewide fiber network.

A comprehensive stakeholder coordination process was scheduled and executed to solicit system functional, operational and maintenance requirements from various NJDOT bureaus to define the system engineering requirements. In addition, a concept of operations along with the system needs, verification plan and validation plan were developed in accordance with the FHWA Model Systems Engineering Documents for ASCT Systems.