Florida DOT has been using inductive loops and sensors at I-95 ramp signals in Miami-Dade County, but existing detectors only report volume and occupancy data. In order to support performance monitoring of ramp signals, researchers investigated the feasibility of using a video detection system for collecting performance monitoring information, such as queue length and waiting time. A three-step study was conducted to identify potential video detection systems for evaluation, conduct field testing of three systems to assess performance, and select a system for deployment based on several factors. 

Based on initial field evaluation results, the research team selected one video detection system for further investigation. Table 1 highlights selected initial costs for key components in deploying the thermal-based video detection system on ramps. Depending on the length of the ramp, which ranged from 200 to 1,200 feet in the study area, a total of two to five video detectors may be needed at each ramp.

Table 1. Video Detection System Initial Deployment Costs

The costs for system installation, programming service for integration with the existing monitoring system and new support structures such as poles, pole bases, conduit, pull boxes, and cables were not quantified and therefore are not included in the table.

Maintenance Costs

Hardware maintenance services including camera cleaning and a system check were estimated to take a maximum of two days a year, at $125 per hour per person. Software maintenance is estimated at $5,000 total per year, covering all related software components.