Transportation Operations & Safety:
Glossary

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) – video cameras used to provide surveillance along heavily traveled transportation corridors – signals from these cameras are monitored at a traffic management center and can be shared with various information dissemination outlets such as radio and television stations

Comprehensive Strategic Highway Safety Improvement Plan (CSHSIP) – PennDOT document that establishes statewide direction for highway safety planning

Crash Avoidance System – traffic sensors and signage designed to warn motorists of on-coming traffic at upcoming unsignalized intersections

Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) – an electronic traffic sign that can be used to provide information to travelers – messages can typically be changed via an off-site communications device

E-Z Pass – an electronic toll collection system used by agencies in multiple states, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, to reduce the congestion caused by toll roads and bridges

Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) – a broadcasting system used to provide traveler information, typically in conjunction with static signage alerting motorists to tune to a certain channel

High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lane – roadway lanes that charge a fee during peak times of the day for vehicles not carrying a designated number of passengers (above 1)

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane – also known as carpool lanes, these are roadway lanes that are restricted for use by vehicles carrying a designated number of passengers (above 1) during peak times of the day

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) – a broad range of technology applications used to improved the operational efficiency and management of transportation infrastructure

Parkway Patrols – specially equipped vehicles and trained personnel deployed to help stranded motorists, clear minor incidents, and assist with the safe management of traffic along major corridors

Ramp Metering – traffic signals installed at points where ramps enter a freeway, which regulates the rate and spacing of traffic entering the freeway based on actual conditions

Regional Operations Plan – document that establishes regional priorities for transportation operations

Reversible Lanes – a combination of traffic sensors and lane control signs used to allow traffic to flow in different directions during peak hours

Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) – a system of pavement and weather sensors used to collect real time information related to air temperatures, wind speeds and directions, relative humidity, dew point, precipitation rates, visibility and other data – this information helps highway maintenance personnel monitor and plan operations

Roundabouts – a type of roadway junction where traffic enters a stream around a central island after first yielding to circulating traffic

Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) – for Southwestern Pennsylvania this is located at PennDOT District 11-0’s offices in Bridgeville and contains a fully integrated centralized software system with subsystems for alarm, CCTV, HAR, DMS, vehicle detection, and HOV traffic management – also includes CCTV monitors, operator workstations, media partner room, and real-time traffic conditions map

Transportation Systems Operations Plan (TSOP) – PennDOT document that establishes statewide direction for transportation operations planning

Variable Message Signs (VMS) – see Dynamic Message Signs

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