Measuring the performance of intelligent transportation systems in work zones for deployment decision support

The use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in construction work zones to disseminate traffic information has increased. ITS are used based on the theory that informed drivers will make better travel decisions, thereby reducing congestion. However, the extent of change in driver behaviour is difficult to predict prior to ITS deployment. This difficulty leads to the larger problem of justifying ITS investment.; This research proposed an ITS deployment decision support tool using traffic micro-simulation. The approach determines the required diversion effectiveness of a work zone ITS deployment such that the resultant monetized network-wide societal benefits exceed the deployment costs. The methodology was tested using the GE5 interchange project in Calgary, Canada. The research found that the GE5 ITS investment is recouped by achieving diversion of 0.5% to 9%. The research results indicate that the proposed approach will assist agencies in justifying investment by exhibiting the potential ITS-related societal benefits.