The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) manages nearly 40,000 miles of roadways, making it one of the largest state-run networks in the U.S.
To optimize efficiency and safety, PennDOT has been integrating INRIX probe data into its transportation planning, operations, and public communication strategies. For over a decade, PennDOT has relied on INRIX data to gain real-time and historical insights into traffic patterns, incident response, and congestion management. INRIX data offers a reliable and cost-effective way to identify congestion chokepoints, prioritize projects, and evaluate their effectiveness. It also enhances traffic management, public safety, and provides real-time traffic information to the public.
Using INRIX GPS probe data, PennDOT engineers and planners analyze the roadway network mile-by-mile to gain deep insights into traffic conditions. This data helps identify the root causes of congestion and key safety and operational challenges. It also guides investment priorities for infrastructure improvements.
Crash Reduction and Economic Impact
PennDOT also uses INRIX real-time speeds to help reduce collisions by triggering existing changeable message signs to alert drivers of upcoming traffic slowdowns. This targeted approach to incident prevention has resulted in:
- 11% annual reduction in all crashes
- 13% drop in rear-end crashes
- 46% decrease in fatal crashes involving commercial trucks
- 100K+ hours in travel time savings
- $55.6M in annual savings to drivers in Pennsylvania
Key Benefits and Applications
1. Smarter Investments
PennDOT adopts a data-driven, performance-based approach to allocate limited transportation funds effectively. By analyzing historic and real-time INRIX traffic flow data:
- Consistent congestion chokepoints and bottlenecks are identified.
- Heat maps highlight problem areas by time of day and location.
- Visualized data helps decision-makers understand and act on issues.
2. Project Performance Validation
By leveraging INRIX data, PennDOT can track and assess project outcomes:
- Performance reports demonstrate the impact of completed projects.
- Reports ensure that infrastructure improvements align with expected outcomes.
- Transparent reporting builds trust with stakeholders and the public.
3. Partner Collaboration for Traffic Safety
PennDOT collaborates with first responders and other agencies by sharing INRIX data:
- Traffic Incident Management (TIM): Engineers analyze clearance timelines and develop strategies to reduce delays and improve emergency response.
- Work Zone Planning: Construction teams use data to design safer and more efficient work zones with minimal disruption to traffic flow.
4. Improved Traffic Management & Operations
Proactive traffic monitoring with INRIX data has enhanced PennDOT’s incident response:
- Congestion detection enables rapid response to traffic incidents.
- Archived incident data supports detailed after-action reports and trend analysis.
- Extended Traffic Management Center (TMC) hours are optimized based on historical incident data.
A More Efficient and Safer Transportation Network
By embedding INRIX probe data into its daily operations, PennDOT has enhanced data-driven decision-making, improved congestion management and roadway safety, and provided accurate, real-time information to the public. In 2020, PennDOT’s TMSO program was recognized with the National Operations Center of Excellence award. For more information on how INRIX can help optimize transportation management, visit inrix.com or learn more here inrix.com/case-studies/penndot-integrating-inrix-probe-data-into-planning-operations-performance-and-public-communication/.