Indicators development to support intelligent road infrastructure in urban cities.

Transportation systems play a vital role in contributing to the economic growth and social development of urban areas. However, a number of transportation-related issues continue to plague many urban areas. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) were introduced to solve some of these urban issues by combining advanced technologies and operational management into existing transportation systems; and many researchers and transportation professionals have contributed numerous theoretical and practical solutions toward the evolution of ITS. As transportation agencies continue to invest in existing transportation facilities, an understanding of their current status for ITS needs and the effects of investments made is required for a strategic long-term policy goal for intelligent transportation. This paper presents indicators we found that can be utilized for a consistent ITS development strategy for road appurtenances and operational management to promote intelligent road infrastructure (IRI) in urban cities. We developed these indicators utilizing a text mining technique that generated a total of 23 indicators under the service categories of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Using the indicators enables city officials to establish a consistent strategy in assessing the current status of urban roads and monitor the effects of investments made towards a long-term policy goal for ITS. Another contribution of our indicators is their dedicated use for urban road appurtenances and operational management, differentiating them from other ITS-related indicators. Our indicators can be assimilated easily into the need analysis at city-wide ITS planning programs due to their compatibility and can be extended to future research to develop factors to prioritize ITS needs and decision-making for cost-effective investments. • Indicators were developed to apply for road appurtenances and operational management. • City officials can use the indicators to establish a consistent ITS development strategy. • The indicators were developed to be compatible with city-wide ITS planning programs. • The indicators can potentially be extended to prioritize the ITS performance of urban road infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]