8. Transportation Element
Signalization and Signage
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- Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
Signalization and SignageSignageEfficient travel can be affected significantly by the adequacy of signs and traffic signals. A physical inventory was conducted in Spring 2004 to determine the types and locations of signs and the locations of traffic signals throughout Douglas County. The inventory of signage is not intended to serve as an exhaustive list, but rather as a comprehensive review of the types of signs, their typical locations and features, and observed deficiencies. The results of the inventory are shown in Table 8-3. 
Overall, the guide signs for I-20 access and major arterials are efficient and highly visible. However, guide signs and street signs on arterials and collectors are in some locations too small, obscured, or missing, limiting a driver’s ability to make safe and efficient decisions. Some school zones have inadequate signs, and existing railroad crossing signs have limited visibility. SignalizationTraffic signals are crucial to maintaining efficiency and safety in an urban road network. The GDOT Traffic Operations and Maintenance Office has responsibility for signals on state routes, including a database of existing signal locations. Countywide database records of state signal locations were obtained and supplemented with a physical inventory of signals throughout unincorporated areas. Douglas County has more than 75 signals, most of which are located within the City of Douglasville limits. The signals are illustrated on the Signal Locations figure and listed in Table TA-4. 
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are the application of a vast array of technologically advanced systems that impact the existing surface transportation system. Some of the technology used in ITS include communications, sensors, and computers. Ultimately, the goal of ITS is to maximize the performance of the existing transportation infrastructure to facilitate safer, quicker travel and enhanced mobility for the public. Potential benefits of ITS include improved traffic flow, traveler information, air quality, faster delivery of goods, and reduced travel times. The drive to implement an ITS in Atlanta was motivated by the 1996 Summer Olympics which began planning in 1991 on a statewide Intelligent Transportation System. Today this system is known as the “NAVIGATOR”. The NAVIGATOR uses cameras and video detection to detect traffic incidents and report real time data to the traveling public that enables informed choices about transportation options. The NAVIGATOR links to a Transportation Management Center (TMC) in order to properly manage this system. Other such systems include the Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs), camera surveillance, information kiosks, demonstration hand-held navigation devices, demonstration of on-board navigation, and automated vehicle locators on transit buses. Currently the key elements of ITS in the Atlanta region (10-county metro area) include: Traffic signal control, Freeway management, major arterial management, Transit management, Incident management, Traveler information, Electronic toll collection and emergency response. Currently, Douglas County does not have any Intelligent Transportation Systems with the exception of fiber optic loops utilized by the school board.
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