Article 4. Smart Freeway Corridor Telecommunications Demonstration Projects of California Public Utilities Code >> Division 12. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 4.

As used in this article:
  (a) "Smart freeway corridor" means a segment of a state highway route in an urban area selected for a smart freeway demonstration project.
  (b) "Project" means a demonstration project which applies telecommunications and computer systems to reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic.

A smart freeway demonstration project shall be comprised of the following elements:
  (a) A linked traffic monitoring network of traffic monitoring devices placed in freeway lanes, surface street travel lanes, turn lanes, and on ramps within the freeway corridor to continuously monitor traffic speeds and volumes to identify congestion and traffic incidents.
  (b) An interactive signal control system to allow central control personnel or systems to override regular signal cycles in order to expedite traffic flow of congested freeways and surface street intersections and to facilitate the diversion of traffic around congested areas.
  (c) A traffic information management system providing commuter access to current traffic information through telephones, radio and television, home computers, terminals in office buildings, in-vehicle motorist information systems, computer-activated changeable message signs placed on freeways, at on ramps, at parking garages, and on major arterials within the freeway corridor.
  (d) An improved emergency response system to accelerate the dispatch of emergency vehicles, traffic control officers, and signal maintenance crews, thus reducing the time needed to clear an incident causing traffic congestion.
  (e) Tow service to reduce traffic congestion caused by delays in removing stalled or damaged vehicles from the freeway in accordance with plans developed by the Department of the California Highway Patrol in consultation with the Department of Transportation.
  (f) A joint-agency data base system to coordinate construction and maintenance which impact traffic flow in the freeway corridor.

(a) The project shall be coordinated by the statutorily created county transportation commission in whose jurisdiction the project is located. The county transportation commission shall consult with local traffic and law enforcement agencies, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of the California Highway Patrol on all aspects of the project in order to provide necessary coordination of the project with existing plans and programs.
  (b) The county transportation commission shall make preliminary and final results of the demonstration project available to state and local public agencies for possible application throughout the state.
  (c) The county transportation commission shall prepare and transmit to the Legislature, no later than one year after the completion of the project, a report of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  (d) The Department of Transportation shall reimburse the county transportation commission, from funds appropriated for projects pursuant to this article, for the costs incurred by the commission under this article.
  (e) No money from the General Fund shall be used for the operation of a smart freeway corridor telecommunications project established as a demonstration project pursuant to this article after the demonstration project is completed.