SPR 14-482 Roadside Analysis Rating

The objective of this research will be to compare the traffic “Puck” to the inductive traffic loop with regard to accuracy, reliability and cost, as well as any issues related to installation and repair time, which affect traffic flow and safety. The traffic “Puck” is a wireless vehicle detection system which uses magneto-resistive sensors to detect vehicle presence and movement. The sensor is an alternative to the inductive loop which has been used as the primary means of detecting vehicle presence and movement for many years. However, the inductive loop has issues of installation, reliability and maintenance that warrant consideration of other options. Direct comparisons of the inductive loop with the traffic “Puck” as vehicle sensing systems could be used to determine whether there are locations and traffic conditions where one would be more logical than the other. This research is expected to provide a comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the traffic “Puck” and the inductive traffic loop.