WSRTTIF Update - December 31st, 2024

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UPDATE: December 31st, 2024

19th Annual Forum Highlights

In its 19th year, the 2024 Western States Forum continued the tradition of in-depth, technical discussions featuring implementations of cutting-edge technologies and projects advancing the state of the practice for Rural ITS. The 35 attendees came from seven states (CA, MT, NV, TX, UT, WA, WY), six state DOTs (CA, MT, NV, UT, WA, WY), two universities (Montana Technological University, University of California Davis), and the Southwest Research Institute.

Group of people sitting at tables arranged classroom style looking to the front where a person is speaking.

Photo by Doug Galarus

The technical agenda was filled with presentations from eight different agencies/organizations sharing their approaches to improving rural transportation. Take a look at the 2024 Forum Page on the Forum’s website to review the technical content and images from this year’s Western States Forum. Here are the 2024 Forum participants as they listen to the first presentation of the event.

A group of people seated at rectangular tables in rows.

Photo by Doug Galarus

Caltrans District 2 (Jeremiah Pearce) joined the Caltrans Electrical Quality Assurance and Source Inspection (EQASI) Branch (Justin Ellis) and AHMCT at UC Davis (Dave Torick) to discuss their experiences utilizing fuel cell technology to power TMS elements during Public Safety Power Shutoff events. The team reviewed the procurement, construction, installation, integration, operation, maintenance and refueling processes for these systems at four sites in the most PSPS impacted rural regions of California. They focused on the project’s successes, failures, and lessons learned. Pictured left to right: Jeremiah Pearce, Dave Torick, Justin Ellis.

A man to the left of a projector screen facing an audience. The words “HFC Research Project” are on the screen. A man to the left of a projector screen holds up a small rectangular box while facing an audience. The words “Initial Lab Setup” are on the screen. A man to the left of a projector screen gestures while speaking to an audience. The words “HFC System Overview” are on the screen with a picture of a cylinder tank.

Photos by Doug Galarus

The Nevada DOT discussed their deployment of a novel luminaire control system that uses power line carrier control technology to optimize performance and efficiency, usage, and longevity – the system is operating in the Carlin Tunnel on Interstate 80. The team of Frederick Tydeman, Eric MacGill, and Kevin Maxwell first discussed the background of the project including the existing lighting system. They then discussed the design of the new system including details for the layout, remote access and network integration with the Elko TMC, and the various system components. In the photo below, the team is introduced at the start of their presentation by Steering Committee member Andres Chavez. Left to right: Andres Chavez, Kevin Maxwell, Eric MacGill, Frederick Tydeman.

Four men stand beside a projector screen looking out to an audience. The slide on the screen has text “Let There Be Light, Nevada DOT”, a picture of a tunnel, and an overhead terrain view of a tunnel.

Photo by Doug Galarus

On Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Saeid Delshad, a researcher with the Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) Research Center at UC Davis, reviewed a project with Caltrans District 2 that is evaluating the use of SpaceX Starlink satellite broadband communication services for use in ITS field element networks. Dr. Delshad first discussed the technical information for such systems, the latest technology advancements, and current limitations to integrating Starlink systems into existing Caltrans ITS field networks. He reviewed the project from procurement through maintenance and discussed the results of field testing supported by Caltrans District 2 ITS engineers. Here he is reviewing the various Starlink systems that were evaluated during the project.

A man beside a projector screen speaking to an audience in front of him. On the screen, text = Evaluated Starlink Systems, three photos showing rectangular panel antennas on stands or mountings.

Photo by Doug Galarus

As the lead state for the WSRTC, Washington has consistently sent speakers to the Forum. This year, WSDOT’s IT Project Manager Brent Quebedeaux and Incident Management Coordinator David Baker presented the Washington Virtual Coordination Center (VCC). After discussing the impetus for the project and the many partners involved, Brent and Daivd reviewed the project design and architecture, and the various tools and funding mechanisms used to bring the project to fruition. A live demonstration gave the Forum participants a practical look at the features and operations of the VCC. The team discussed lessons learned along with statewide expansion plans to include more availability in rural areas. David Baker (left), Brent Quebedeaux (right).

A man behind a podium beside a projector screen gestures at an audience in front of him. The screen has text = Where does the VCC live? A man behind a podium beside a projector screen gestures at an audience in front of him.

Photos by Doug Galarus

In his eighth Forum presentation since 2006, Dr. Doug Galarus from Montana Tech presented “OSS by the Numbers,” a look at data analytics and how they are used with the One-Stop-Shop for Rural Traveler Information. The OSS system is the result of a multi-phased research and development effort by Caltrans and the WSRTC. Doug first explained the genealogy (aka Project History) of the OSS and the various related project efforts (photo on right). Over the years, different aspects of the One-Stop-Shop’s development have been presented at the Forum. This year, participants learned how collection and analysis of usage data affects operation and maintenance of OSS and how well it meets the goals the system was designed to address. Doug explained some basics of analytics and shared usage statistics for historical and geographical usage. He discussed recent changes for collecting analytics and next steps for system maintenance.

A presenter behind a podium points to the audience in front of him. A man gestures while speaking beside a projector screen, laptop, and podium.

Photos by Caltrans District 2

On Thursday morning, the Southwest Research Institute’s Ansley Skillern discussed their efforts with state DOTs related to developing and implementing Variable Speed Limit (VSL) and Lane Control Sign (LCS) applications. After some explanation and background on the various systems and ActiveITS project work, Ansley discussed the different regulatory considerations, business rules, and strategies for implementing VSL and LCS systems. He reviewed technical challenges for system integration, and shared lessons learned along with next steps for future agency integration.

A man with a beard gestures with both hands while speaking behind a podium, projector screen to the right with text = TDOT Lane Control Scope.

Photo by Doug Galarus

The Forum steering committee encourages speakers to share updates on projects presented at past Forums. In a follow-up to a 2021 Forum presentation on an original system, a team of speakers from Utah DOT provided an update on their wrong-way driving detection systems including demonstrations on how the systems operate. Kent Thurston and Adam Lough explained how lessons learned from that first project directed selection of the new, preferred system. After reviewing how the system was chosen, the team shared details on the 23 systems deployed statewide, how the locations were prioritized, and technical details for installation. Kent and Adam also discussed the anticipated safety benefits from the new system as well as some early alert outcomes. Pictured here: Adam Lough (left), Kent Thurston (right).

A man stands beside a projector screen with a “WRONG WAY” sign displayed. An audience looks towards the man. Two men stand on either side of a table with laptops, a projector screen in the background. The man on the right is gesturing while speaking.

Photos by Doug Galarus

Live demonstrations have been an integral part of the Forum agenda since early in the Forum’s history. Speakers are encouraged to demonstrate their projects as applicable. This year, Washington State DOT demonstrated the VCC application and Utah DOT showed a number of step-by-step operational videos of the wrong way driving system. Here are the two teams conducting their demonstrations. (Left: Washington State DOT, right: Utah DOT)

A man seated at a table operating a laptop with a projector screen showing a website application to his left; another man looks on to the right. An audience looks to a man seated at a table with a laptop gesturing at a computer screen. A man stands to the left side in the front of the room.

Photos by Doug Galarus

The Forum is unique in that questions and discussion are highly encouraged throughout a presentation, not just at the end. The longer presentation times allow speakers to get into the nitty gritty details of a project and facilitate frank discussions about their experiences. Here, Saeid Delshad (left) and Tony Leingang (right) ask questions and contribute discussion during a presentation.

A man speaks into a microphone while seated at a table in an audience. People seated at classroom tables. One is speaking towards the front.

Photos by Doug Galarus

Forum networking events are consistently recognized with high marks. Meals and breaks are an opportunity for participants to meet and look at equipment displays brought by the Forum speakers. Here’s a few pictures of the group networking during the evening reception and dinner, and the lunch meal.

Groups of people eating at round tables. In the background are two ITS cabinets and two cameras mounted on stands. Groups of people seated at round tables; two standing near displayed equipment.

Five groups of people eating and talking together at round tables, a buffet of food on the side. Six groups of people eating and talking together at round tables.

Photos by Doug Galarus

In keeping with the rural focus of the Forum, the Wednesday evening dinner and networking session was held at Upper Greenhorn Park in Yreka. The event featured a delicious BBQ meal, games, and visiting around a campfire. In the photo below, part of the group is sitting down to eat at one of the large picnic tables in the park.

A long picnic table filled with people eating in a park with green grass and tall trees.

Photo by Doug Galarus

The Western States Forum is organized by a Steering Committee, which chooses and reviews presentations in addition to planning the Forum event. Steering Committee members include Andres Chavez, Caltrans Division of Research, Innovation, and System Information (DRISI); Jeremiah Pearce, Caltrans District 2; Leann Koon, Western Transportation Institute; Doug Galarus, Montana Tech; and event planner Marlene Woodard.

Here Andre hands the microphone to Doug as the committee opens the 19th Annual Forum and sets the stage for a great event. Pictured left to right: Jeremiah Pearce, Doug Galarus, Andres Chavez.

An audience seated in a classroom looks to the front of a room with a projector screen and three people standing.

Photo by Caltrans District 2

Recognizing speakers for the time and effort put into preparing and delivering their presentation is an important part of the Forum. Below, Andres Chavez is handing some special recognition items to Utah DOT speaker Kent Thurston, while Doug Galarus makes the announcement and Jeremiah Pearce organizes materials.

A man with a microphone stands in front of a table to the left. In the center, one person is handing another person an item.

Photo by Caltrans District 2

Time during the Forum is also spent recognizing participants to encourage first-time attendees to come back again and also to show appreciation to those who have attended multiple events over the years. There were 14 first time attendees this year, 8 attending for the second time, 9 who have attended 3 to 7 events, and 4 people who have attended 11 or more Forums. In the photos below, Andre (photo left) and Jeremiah (photo right) hand out participation certificates to Forum attendees.

One person wearing a tie hands a man with a beard a piece of paper and they shake hands while an audience watches and applauds. A man wearing a beret hands a man a piece of paper and they shake hands. An audience looks on and applauds.

Photos by Caltrans District 2

Marlene Woodard has been a crucial part of the team that puts on the Forum since the very first event in 2006. Thank you, Marlene. Here she is running the registration desk and checking in Jeffrey Cullins from Caltrans District 2.

Left, a man standing in front of a table, a woman seated at the table on the right smiling and looking at a phone and a spreadsheet. Branded coasters and mugs on the table.

Photo by Doug Galarus

This Forum was in the news! Read the article from the Western Transportation Institute’s newsletter on the WTI website’s news page.

Thank you to all the participants and speakers who contributed to the successful 19th annual Western States Forum! Be sure to check out the 2024 Past Forum page to review the agenda, technical presentations, and images from the event.

Save the Date (pdf) for the 20th Annual Western States Forum – June 16-18, 2025! The Call for Abstracts (pdf) was just released so check your inbox and mailbox! Check back here and on the Forum website for more information and how you can be a part of this milestone event.