Abstract:
The Virtual Coordination Center (VCC) is a digital collaborative environment for integrated multimodal corridor management. Under the Federal Highway Administration project “Model Deployment of the Virtual Coordination Center for Multimodal Integrated Corridor Management,” an operational community of state, city, and county agencies including law enforcement, transit, and transportation departments developed, deployed, and evaluated a VCC for interagency management of the Seattle urban corridor. Led by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the University of Washington, this project produced an innovative collaborative environment that now supports Seattle Fire (SFD), Police (SPD), and Transportation (SDOT), King County Metro Transit, Sound Transit, Washington State Patrol (WSP), and WSDOT in their interagency management of incidents that affect the regional transportation system. The VCC provides daily operational value and is designed to support the management of high-impact situations that put unusual stress on the Seattle-area transportation corridor. The VCC supports increased shared situational awareness, enhanced incident and congestion management, and coordinated population movement.

Authors:
Haselkorn, M.E., Phelps, T.

Keywords:
Virtual coordination, incident management, multimodal, congestion management,

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Abstract:
This report describes experiences related to the presentation of FHWA's incident management workshop, "Relieving Traffic Congestion Through Incident Management" (Demonstration Project 86). The information in this report will form the basis for creating the NHI incident management course. With incident management becoming more familiar, the focus of the audience has shifted from "What is it?" to "How can we do it?" More information on "how" to improve or perform incident management needs to be incorporated into incident management training. With respect to administration and planning incident management programs, area concerns focused on lack of a local champion, poor interagency cooperation and team work, lack of upper management support and clear policy direction, limited field training, liability, and funding. With respect to operations at the scene of an incident, issues raised included on-scene communication, coordination at the scene, and response times to the scene. Audience perceptions (i.e., discipline, views on technology) and workshop locale (i.e., small versus large urban area) played an important role in the success of the workshop.Recommendations for future training efforts include the following. (1) Streamline the workshop administration process. (2) Rather than relying on a single, transportation-related agency contact to fill the workshop, additional representatives from other disciplines (i.e., police, fire, towers) should be contacted and should be responsible for ensuring attendance from their respective disciplines. (3) Revised training materials should be modular, with time allotments defined for each topic area. This information should be made available to local representatives before the workshop so that they can realistically estimate the material they want to cover. (4) A mechanism should be established to allow formal follow-up after the incident management workshop. (5) Reduce or eliminate the basic, rudimentary information in the current presentation material (information should be maintained in the notebook). Reduce or eliminate redundant and repetitive information in both the presentation and the notebook materials. (6) Provide more detailed "how to" information. Although there is a need for continued, multi-agency training in incident management, the training materials need to keep pace with technological changes and personnel knowledge that has been gained independently.

Authors:
Carson,J.

Keywords:
incident management, training

Abstract:
Incidents (vehicle accidents and disablements) significantly contribute to the growing traffic congestion problem in Washington state. To mitigate the adverse impacts of incidents, WSDOT has established a number of incident management systems that employ a variety of incident management procedures; however, it is difficult to quantify the effectiveness of these incident management procedures because the appropriate data are lacking. This study developed a database program to resolve this data deficiency and provide a single, consistent, statewide incident management database. To develop the database program, extensive interviews with incident management personnel were conducted and a review of the extant literature was undertaken. With this information in hand, the incident management database program was developed and tested extensively in the field. The data entry program was developed using FoxPro, a relational database software for DOS-, Macintosh-, Unix, or Windows-based computers. The resulting software package is easy to use or modify as needs evolve. Based on field tests of the database program, there is no doubt that its widespread use could eventually have a significant impact on the evaluation and development of incident management systems in Washington state.

Authors:
Cutting,A., Porter,R. D., Mannering,F. L.

Keywords:
incident response database, incident management, geographic information system, GIS

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Abstract:
The purpose of the project was to (1) re-evaluate the effectiveness, appropriateness, and format of the Incident Response Guide currently used in the Northwest Region, and (2) provide the Northwest, Olympic, Southwest, and Eastern Regions with electronic versions of an Incident Response Guide for them to complete with their own information and keep updated.In-depth interviews were conducted with the Northwest Region's Incident Response Team (IRT) personnel, who are currently utilizing the Incident Response Guide.An evaluation of the Northwest Region's Incident Response Guide indicated the following: (1) The effectiveness of the original Incident Response Guide, Field Reference, was minimal for field response personnel at the scene of an incident; training and experience proved more useful than documentation. (2) The original Incident "Response Guide, Office Reference, proved more effective and appropriate as a reference for administrative and new IRT personnel. (3) The format and organization of the original Incident Response Guide wer inappropriate for use by administrators and new personnel. (4) As the IRT program has evolved, a number of procedures, resources, and contacts have changed; the electronic format of the updates Incident Response Guide will help facilitate these updates.The modification of the Northwest Region's Incident Response Guide for use in other WSDOT regions proved to be a simple step in ensuring consistency in incident response programs statewide for the following reasons: (1) Much of the required background information and recommended IRT procedures are the same statewide. (2) The impetus for developing a formal outline of incident response procedures, equipment, and resources is minimized when all the requirements are specified in a fill-in-the-blank format.

Authors:
Mannering,F. L., Koehne,J.

Keywords:
incident management, incident response, incident response teams, incident response guide, incident response training

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Abstract:
This report assesses the usefulness of the guide \'Framework for Developing Incident Management Systems\' in developing incident management systems for small to medium-sized urban areas. The assessment was conducted on the incident management system in Tacoma, Washington. The research approach consisted of four components: 1) study of the process that produced Tacoma\'s existing incident management systems, 2) inventory and evaluation of Tacoma\'s existing incident management alternatives, 3) application of the \'Framework\' to make recommendations for improvement in Tacoma\'s system, and 4) evaluation of the effectiveness of the \'Framework.\' The findings of this report show that the guide \'Framework for Developing Incident Management Systems\' has some weaknesses, but overall it should be considerably helpful in developing and improving incident management systems.

Authors:
Zeller, S.R., Mannering, F.L.

Keywords:
Incident evaluation, incident management, incident systems, incident duration, accident analysis, traffic impacts

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Abstract:
Many strategies have been employed to improve incident management. This paper describes a novel approach to improving incident clearance when accidents require detailed investigation. This approach involves the use of computerized surveying equipment, called electronic total stations, for accident investigation. The use, advantages, and disadvantages of accidents are discussed. A comparison of three accident scenes where the coordinate method of accident investigation and total stations were used to measure the same incident showed that investigators can take over 70 percent more measurements per hour by using total stations. Furthermore, investigation with the total stations required only 46 percent of the time required with the coordinate method. A comparison of urban freeway accidents covering a one year period before total stations were used to a year total station use showed an average time savings of slightly over 51 minutes in incident scene clearance time. Accident drawings were also more accurate and could be prepared in less time.

Authors:
Jacobson,L. N., Legg,B., O'Brien,A.

Keywords:
incident management, TRB, incident, total stations

Abstract:
A variety of techniques have been developed to manage incidents efficiently. However, very little guidance exists for agencies to initiate such efforts. This study, which produced two reports (Framework for developing Incident Management Systems and Development of Incident Management Systems, the Seattle Case Study), serves to provide this guidance by discussing the process of developing and implementing an incident management system. Generally, the process consists of several steps: defining the problem, setting goals and objectives, developing alternatives, evaluating and selecting from those alternatives, implementing, re-evaluating after a specified time, and refining the system. The alternatives that were developed in this document fall under five basic categories, depending on how they benefit incident management efforts. These categories include incident detection, response, site management, clearance, and motorist information. Specific information, including technique description, relative costs and benefits, operational requirements, and funding variations is given for each incident management technique included in these categories. More generally, concerns such as jurisdiction issues, geographical constraints, available resources, operational procedures, training requirements, and administrative coordination are discussed in detail to aid in mitigating difficulties early in the incident management system development process.

Authors:
Hallenbeck, M.E., Koehne, J.

Keywords:
Bridge and construction, incident management, incident response, site management, incident clearance, motorist information

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Abstract:
This guide is a resource document for use by departments of transportation, state patrol offices, and other agencies that respond to incidents. It will serve as a resource and training document. It describes response steps and techniques appropriate under specific situations and lists the procedures for requesting additional equipment and staff, as well as resources and contacts. The guide was produced for use in the Puget Sound area, but can be adapted to other urban and rural areas if the resource information is changed to be appropriate for those locations. The guide is one of two produced under this project. While this is intended to be an office reference/training guide for incident response personnel, the second document is a field guide for use by those personnel while they are on duty.

Authors:
Tanemura, L., Mannering, F.L.

Keywords:
Incident management, incident response, incident training, incident reference guide, highway accidents

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Abstract:
With an increased awareness of the congestion-related impacts resulting from the occurrence of incidents, urban areas across the nation are looking to improve the management of these incidents. Seattle officials were quick to recognize the importance of efficient incident management programs and sought to improve their existing system. This document examines the incident management techniques initially considered for implementation in the Seattle area, the incident management techniques that were actually implemented, the thought processes behind the development of these programs and the overall success of the systems approach as it was applied to the development of the incident management system in the Seattle metropolitan area.

Authors:
Mannering, F.L., Koehne, J.

Keywords:
Incident management, Seattle, systems approach, alternate route planning, media ties, HAR, VMS, accident investigation sites, equipment storage sites, interagency communication, incident management teams, personnel training programs, total station surveying equipment, traffic management teams

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External Links: http://depts.washington.edu/trac/bulkdisk/pdf/224.1.pdf

Abstract:
A variety of techniques have been developed to manage incidents efficiently. However, very little guidance exists for agencies wishing to initiate such efforts. This document serves to provide this guidance by discussing the process of developing and implementing an incident management system. Generally, the process consists of seven steps: defining the problem, setting goals and objectives, developing alternatives evaluating and selecting from those alternatives, implementing, re-evaluating after a specified time, and refining the system. The alternatives which were developed in this document fall under five categories depending on how they benefit incident management efforts. These categories include incident detection, response, site management, clearance, and motorist information. Specific information, including technique description, relative costs and benefits, operational requirements, and funding variations is given for each incident management technique included in these categories. More generally, concerns such as jurisdictional issues, geographical constraints, available resources, operational procedures, training requirements, and administrative coordination are discussed in detail to aid in mitigating difficulties early in the incident management system development process.

Authors:
Koehne, J., Mannering, F.L., Hallenbeck, M.E.

Keywords:
Incident management, incident detection, incident response, site management, incident clearance, motorist information

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Abstract:
As a continuing effort of the Washington State Department of Transportation in freeway incident management, the purpose of this project was threefold: (1) to collect data/information for implementing and coordinating freeway incident management strategies; (2) to prepare an incident response manual with all available data; and (3) to format the available data for possible use in a suitable expert system. The area covered by this study extended along Interstate 90 from the Four Lakes interchange (Exit 270) on the west to the Idaho state line (Exit 299) on the east. An Incident Response Manual (IRM) was prepared, focusing on providing a framework for the freeway incident management process to facilitate the coordination of the different agencies that play various roles i the process. The manual also provides information specific to the study area in regard to resources for incident response and detour routes in case of closure of any section of the 30-mile stretch of Interstate 90.

Authors:
Khisty, C.J., Wong, M.

Keywords:
Incident management, incident response, incident response manual

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Abstract:
This four-volume technical report describes a study of freeway incidents and incident management strategies in the Seattle area. The study statistically analyzed the frequency and duration of freeway incidents on sections of I-5 and SR 520 in Seattle. In addition, a traffic simulation model was operationalized to assess the traffic related impacts of incidents. The findings show that Seattle-area incident management currently responds well to inclement weather and special events (e.g., major sporting games) but has problems with severe accidents. The ongoing operationalization of accident investigation sites and incident equipment storage sites can be expected to improve severe accident management, but response personnel training and the addition of more dedicated tow truck service are also needed. Finally, the study shows that, from a traffic impact perspective, the section of I-5 in downtown Seattle is in need of the most incident management attention.

Authors:
Mannering, F. L., Jones, B., Garrison, D., Sebranke, B., Janssen, L.

Keywords:
Incident management, incident evaluation, incident frequency, incident duration, traffic impacts, accident analysis, traffic surveillance and control

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Abstract:
This four-volume technical report describes a study of freeway incidents and incident management strategies in the Seattle area. The study statistically analyzed the frequency and duration of freeway incidents on sections of 1-5 and SR 520 in Seattle. In addition, a traffic simulation model was operationalized to assess the traffic related impacts of incidents. The findings show that Seattle-area incident management currently responds well to inclement weather and special events (e.g., major sporting games) but has problems with severe accidents. The ongoing operationalization of accident invesfigation sites and incident equipment storage sites can be expected to improve severe accident management, but response personnel training and the addition of more dedicated tow truck service are also needed. Finally, the study shows that, from a traffic impact perspective, the section of 1-5 in downtown Seattle is in need of the most incident management attention.

Authors:
Mannering, F.L., Jones, B., Garrison,D ., Sebranke, B., Janssen, L.

Keywords:
Incident evaluation, incident management, incident frequency, incident duration, traffic impacts, accident analysis

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Abstract:
This four-volume technical report describes a study of freeway incidents and incident management strategies in the Seattle area. The study statistically analyzed the frequency and duration of freeway incidents on sections of 1-5 and SR 520 in Seattle. In addition, a traffic simulation model was operationalized to assess the traffic related impacts of incidents. The findings show that Seattle-area incident management currently responds well to inclement weather and special events (e.g., major sporting games) but has problems with severe accidents. The ongoing operationalization of accident investigation sites and incident equipment storage sites can be expected to improve severe accident management, but response personnel training and the addition of more dedicated tow truck service are also needed. Finally, the study shows that, from a traffic impact perspective, the section of 1-5 in downtown Seattle is in need of the most incident management attention.

Authors:
Mannering, F.L., Jones, B., Garrison, D., Sebranke, B., Janssen, L.

Keywords:
Incident evaluation, incident management, incident frequency, incident duration, traffic impacts, accident analysis

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Abstract:
This four-volume technical report describes a study of freeway incidents and incident management strategies in the Seattle area. The study statistically analyzed the frequency and duration of freeway incidents on sections of I-5 and SR 520 in Seattle. In addition, a traffic simulation model was operationalized to assess the traffic related impacts of incidents. The findings show that Seattle-area incident management currently responds well to inclement weather and special events (e.g., major sporting games) but has problems with severe accidents. The ongoing operationalization of accident investigation sites and incident equipment storage sites can be expected to improve severe accident management, but response personnel training and the addition of more dedicated tow truck service are also needed. Finally, the study shows that, from a traffic impact perspective, the section of I-5 in downtown Seattle is in need of the most incident management attention.

Authors:
Mannering, F.L., Jones, B.

Keywords:
Incident management, incident evaluation, incident frequency, incident duration, traffic impacts, accident analysis, traffic surveillance and control

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Abstract:
This four-volume technical report describes a study of freeway incidents and incident management strategies in the Seattle area. The study statistically analyzed the frequency and duration of freeway incidents on sections of I-5 and SR 520 in Seattle. In addition, a traffic simulation model was operationalized to assess the traffic related impacts of incidents. The findings show that Seattle-area incident management currently responds well to inclement weather and special events (e.g., major sporting games) but has problems with severe accidents. The ongoing operationalization of accident investigation sites and incident equipment storage sites can be expected to improve severe accident management, but response personnel training and the addition of more dedicated tow truck service are also needed. Finally, the study shows that, from a traffic impact perspective, the section of I-5 in downtown Seattle is in need of the most incident management attention.

Authors:
Mannering, F.L., Janssen, L., Sebranke, B., Jones, B.

Keywords:
Incident management, incident evaluation, incident frequency, incident duration, traffic impacts, accident analysis, traffic surveillance and control

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Abstract:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has embarked on a Freeway and Arterial Management Effort (FAME). This effort includes the collection of data, assessment of incident-related impacts, and the generation of incident management strategies across the state. This report focuses its attention on the effectiveness of existing incident management strategies applicable to the Spokane I-90 urban section, from the Four Lakes Interchange (Exit 270) on the west to the Idaho State Line on the east, covering a length of 30 miles. With direction and assistance from technical advisory committee data and information were gathered and analyzed to include roadway and accident characteristics of this urban section of I-90 and existing incident detection, response, servicing, and coordination practiced by several agencies serving the area. From this analysis, sections of I-90 that had a high potential for incidents were identified. As a result of this research, several useful products were developed, such that it would be necessary to carry this research forward to enhance the existing incident Management methods practiced in the Spokane area. Five specific actions are recommended (i) Structure the database and, if necessary, identify and complete any missing data needed, (ii) prepare an incident management manual capable of being updated on a regular basis, (iii) form an incident management team, (iv) format the data/information for use in a knowledge-based expert system (KBES) and (v) adopt KBES for Spokane.

Authors:
Khisty, C.J., Anderson, R.Q., Granberg, R.L.

Keywords:
Incident management, accidents, detection, freeway, incident, management, mitigation

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Abstract:
This report evaluates the existing procedures used by the Washington State Department of Transportation for collecting, storing and analyzing accident information. The report reviews published literature on accident analysis systems, reviews the proposed system design for accident analyses within the TRIPS computer system, and makes recommendation as to how WSDOT should alter their existing and planning systems to provide more appropriate accident analysis capabilities to the department.

Authors:
Rutherford, G.S., Hallenbeck, M.E., McCormack, E.D.

Keywords:
Incident management, accident analysis, database systems, traffic accident data

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Abstract:
This report summarizes a review of the procedures used by the Washington State Department of Transportation for manipulating, storing, and analyzing traffic and accident data. The study summarized in this report compared existing WSDOT procedures with those of other states and in the transportation literature. Recommendations were then made for refining the WSDOT procedures that will be included in the Department\'s new data storage and analysis system known as TRIPS (Transportation Information and Planning Support).

Authors:
Hallenbeck, M.E., Rutherford, G.S., McCormack, E.D.

Keywords:
Incident management, accident analysis, database systems, traffic accident data

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Abstract:
The increasing use of double trailer trucks on the nation's highways has raised concerns about their safety, especially as compared to the more common single-trailer trucks. The purpose of this study was to examine the accident rate of double-trailer, often known as double-bottom, trucks as compared to single-trailer trucks on the Snoqualmie Pass portion of Interstate-90. Unfortunately, accurate data concerning truck accidents and truck volumes could not be developed from current data sources.

Authors:
McCormack,E. D.

Keywords:
incident management

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Abstract:
On June 5, 1985, a comprehensive, computer-controlled traffic management system (TMS) was implemented on a section of I-95 and I-395 in Northern Virginia. The roadway is a major commuter route into the District of Columbia. A before-and-after evaluation of the TMS was initiated by the Virginia Department of Transportation in the spring of 1983 in anticipation of a summer 1983 implementation. Due to a series of events, the TMS was two years late in being implemented, and data were not collected after its implementation until the spring of 1986. Accordingly, this study describes changes in travel characteristics between these two periods; it recognizes that several major events occurred that likely caused the changes.Changes in travel on local streets as well as on the interstate are described. Changes in traffic volumes, speeds, travel times, delays, vehicle miles of travel, vehicle hours of travel, and accidents are reviewed. Finally, information on incident detection and management is presented.

Authors:
Arnold,E. D.

Keywords:
incident management, ramp metering, traffic management, traffic surveillance, variable message signs