Access to critical traveler information means a safer, efficient and satisfying trip. It was with this goal in mind that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation spearheaded a state-wide initiative to inventory and plan for a consolidated approach to implementing advanced traveler information systems (ATIS). Currently, Wisconsin has numerous intelligent transportation systems projects underway that have a significant traveler information component. While this list is not exhaustive, example projects include:

• an interstate traffic monitoring and traveler information project;
   
• county maintenance snow and ice management project; and
   
• arterial dynamic message signs and dynamic trailblazer signing.
   

In tandem with this planning effort was the need to put together a framework to assist in the deployment of future ATIS components. This framework is Wisconsin’s state-wide ITS architecture. The architecture was designed using the federally-recommended Turbo Architecture tool and is entirely standards-compliant.

The development of both the ATIS plan and architecture took a hands-on approach. Stakeholders actively participated in identifying needs and issues relating to traveler information systems; and provided continual feedback to shape the final outcome of the plan and architecture. The final recommendations of the project provided WisDOT with a logical strategy for approaching the deployment of ATIS is a uniform manner state-wide.
 

For more information on Wisconsin ATIS, please contact: