The PennDOT Engineering District 2-0 encompasses a surface area as large as the State of New Jersey and it includes the following counties: Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Potter counties. The region is bordered in the north by three New York state counties; Cattaraugus, Allegheny and Steuben counties. The population for all the nine counties in PennDOT Engineering District 2-0 is approximately 421,710, based on the 1999 estimates (US Census Bureau) and the setting is primarily rural with the exception of State College Borough which has a population exceeding 50,000 and can be described as an urban area.

The roadway system is generally efficient although the region experiences most of the major transportation problems associated with rural areas such as rugged terrains, slower emergency response time, limited or nonexistent public transportation systems, unpredictable weather conditions, and inadequate or obsolete telecommunications infrastructures. The deployment of intelligent transportation systems will mitigate most of these problems.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is the application of technologies and management strategies in an integrated manner, to increase the safety and efficiency of surface transportation systems. Presently, various ITS technologies and strategies have been deployed around the region. Some of these systems consist of field elements (such as dynamic message signs, CCTV cameras, highway advisory radios, detectors, transit operations center, and emergency communications center.

It is envisioned that the various ITS technologies and strategies (existing and planned) and in fact all transportation infrastructures in the region work together in an efficient manner. The key to realizing this vision lies in the National ITS Architecture, a methodological plan developed by US Department of Transportation for ITS deployments across the country. Such a plan is needed to address the region's transportation problems.

To this effect, PennDOT Engineering District 2-0, in conjunction with Orth-Rodgers & Associates, Inc. have commenced work on the development of a regional ITS architecture for PennDOT Engineering District 2-0 region.

This program is aimed at:

• addressing major transportation issues in the region
• creating a framework to identify components and interconnections
• institutional challenges to improve communications
• integration opportunities as defined in the National ITS Architecture

In particular, the program aims to address major rural ITS issues as identified in the Advanced Rural Transportation Systems program (ARTS).

These issues include:

• Emergency Services
• Commercial Vehicle Operations & Fleet Management
• Traveler Safety & Security
• Tourism & Travel Information
• Infrastructure Operations & Maintenance
• Public Traveler Mobility Services

The Steering Committee is the governing body for the program and oversees the development of the Regional ITS Architecture. The Steering Committee has developed vision, goals and objectives for this program in consultation with regional stakeholders. Regular updates on the program will be provided on this web site and in the project newsletters. The program is scheduled for completion by the spring of 2002.

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