The Oregon Department of Transportation is seeking innovative ways to help improve traffic flow throughout the state. Public agencies, and groups working in partnership with them, are invited to apply for $8 million in funding for projects that demonstrate solutions for reducing congestion and improving freight mobility on the Oregon state highway system. Ideal projects will offer both operational benefits and transferability to other areas.
“Oregon is well-known for leading the way in transportation innovation,” said Gail Achterman, chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission. “ODOT is launching the ‘Transportation Operations Innovation and Demonstration Program’ to encourage this spirit in addressing our growing traffic congestion problems. It is our hope that project concepts and technologies funded by this program form the basis for real world solutions to Oregon’s transportation challenges.”
The types of projects expected to be funded through this program include both new technology and process changes to improve the operation of the transportation system. Example project areas include, but are not limited to, improvements to traffic signal or freeway operations, traveler information systems, incident management, or ramp metering.
Applications will be accepted from Oregon public agencies. Private entities and non-profit organizations are encouraged to work with public agencies to identify and develop innovative project concepts. Grants will be awarded in amounts of $50,000 to $2 million for projects that can be completed in the 2008 – 2011 timeframe. Applications are available online at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/ITS/its_news_events.shtml and must be received by June 30, 2008. For more information about the project, contact Galen McGill, Intelligent Transportation Systems manager, at (503) 986-4486.
