Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) sought to upgrade the existing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) along 6 miles of Florida’s Mainline Turnpike (SR 91) to actively monitor and manage the traffic using this limited access facility. The project is the first in a series of widenings and improvements between SR 50 and the end of the Turnpike at I-75. FTE is being proactive in order to add capacity to support the growing number of both long distance and local commuters and to enhance this facility for use during emergency evacuation conditions.

DRMP is currently providing traffic design and plans production for the ITS plans as part of the roadway design that widens  6-miles of SR 91 from a 4-lane to 8-lane.  ITS concept of operations, design and plans include new gigabit Ethernet communications with supporting field installations of dynamic message signs (DMS) (lane status, toll amount and incident), closed circuit television (CCTV) camera sites, microwave vehicle detection systems (VDS) and bluetooth travel time systems (TTS). Design included electrical services with automatic transfer switches and permanent generator backup for all field devices. Wiring and fiber splicing diagrams, equipment details and specifications were developed as part of this project. 

The newly upgraded ITS system provides real-time communications and traffic monitoring allowing the dissemination of traveler information to enable dynamic pricing of the express lanes.  The system provides real-time lane status, toll-rate and incident information to the motoring public, creating a more reliable route.