by James A. Bacon

Phew, it’s hard keeping up with all the transportation initiatives flying out of the McDonnell administration. I’m breaking a sweat here at the Bacon’s Rebellion command center just tracking the press releases!

Here’s the latest: The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking private-sector ideas to “operate, integrate and innovate” the state’s five transportation operations centers.

“We must use technology to get the most of our transportation system and VDOT is looking for a partner who will do that,” said Governor McDonnell in a prepared statement.  “The end goal is find and employ state-of-the-art technology to keep traffic moving, manage congestion and respond to incidents.”

In coordination with the Office of Public-Private Partnerships, VDOT has released a Request for Information soliciting proposals to operate and invest in the centers. A single respondent will be selected to operate all five centers as a unified active traffic management system platform. The centers, located in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Salem and Staunton, work with VDOT, state police and emergency response personnel to provide real-time traffic information to motorists and to clear traffic accidents from the roads. Among other tools, they use traffic cameras, variable message signs, highway advisory radio and pavement sensors.

Gov. McDonnell and Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton aren’t waiting for VDOT to come up with nifty ideas for upgrading the operations centers. The highway department is working on a really tight budget and wouldn’t have the funds to carry out new ideas, even if VDOT’s organizational culture rewarded  employees for creative thinking. The state isn’t committing itself to any particular course of action — it’s just soliciting ideas right now.

In theory, tremendous potential exists for using sensors, wireless and networking technologies to develop highly accurate, real-time data on traffic conditions that can used to fine-tune traffic light sequencing, adjust toll rates, enforce motor-vehicle laws and otherwise nudge the ebb and flow of traffic. It is very encouraging to see the governor’s transportation team seeking solutions that entail something other than the construction of new mega-projects. Thumbs up on this one.