Utilising gates to direct traffic off Interstates and prohibit access during unsafe driving conditions such as severe snowstorms is a relatively new technique for closing roadways to travel in Minnesota. As the use of gates has spread in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) embarked on a study to document its experience with the gates and identify opportunities to enhance gate operations, particularly through the utilisation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). A central part of Mn/DOT's study was interviews with the public, operations personnel and administrators to gather firsthand information on gate. The overall and overwhelming opinion of Mn/DOT and law enforcement personnel is that the gates offer a much better way to close and reopen roadways. Use of the gates also appears to be well accepted by the public. Mn/DOT's study assessed the costs and benefits of gate operations that included potential reduction in delays and in the number of accidents. A severe snowstorm that struck south-western Minnesota in November 1998 provided a good case study to compare costs for clearing sections of highways with and without gates. Generally, it cost Mn/DOT 15% less to clear and reopen highways controlled by gates. The study concluded with recommendations for deployment of specific ITS initiatives in the next 1 - 2 years along with development of new initiatives. The study further recommended a structure for state-wide co-ordination that will focus on deployment of gates in other Mn/DOT Districts and co-ordination with related state-wide initiatives.
Abstract