Creating a Roadmap for Successfully Planning, Implementing, and Administering Complex Multi-Jurisdictional Transportation Technology Projects

Abstract

Eight Midwestern states united in creating a first-of-its-kind regional Truck Parking Information Management System (TPIMS) to reduce the incidence of commercial truck drivers injuring themselves and other drivers due to fatigue-related crashes and unauthorized parking along the interstate highways. The core intelligent transportation system technologies used for the TPIMS are not complex. They involve monitoring available parking at authorized public and private truck facilities in real time and then relaying the information to truck drivers and dispatchers through roadside dynamic truck parking signs, mobile applications, and state traveler information websites such as 511 services. Deployment of a regional project across multiple agencies and state lines is a complex operation, however, especially in the need to accommodate the organizational, policy, and technology needs and preferences of the eight partner states (Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Kansas, the lead agency for the $25 million federal TIGER grant which underwrites much of the initiative). This paper explores the lessons learned in developing and implementing a complex, multi-jurisdictional technology initiative as it nears full operational status in January 2019 and begins producing results which are expected to reduce crashes while improving the efficiency and profitability of the regional freight system. The paper also highlights how those lessons can be more broadly applied to major multi-jurisdictional transportation projects of all kinds.