Dallas and San Diego in the US have been selected as the nation’s first demonstration sites for new Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies, as part of the government’s Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) initiative.

The two cities sites will receive a total of $14m to build and pilot transportations systems that can improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and increase passenger convenience, according to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Using the funds, Dallas Area Rapid Transit will create a $8.3m transportation management model that can predict travel conditions 30 minutes into the future, allowing traffic to divert to other routes during freeway incidents and special events along US-75.

The system will also inform passengers about real-time traffic, public transit and expected travel time information through wireless and web-based alerts.

The San Diego Association of Governments and its partnering agencies will carry out a $10.9m project along the I-15 to enable a ‘smart’ traffic management system using road sensors and video and traveller information aimed at reducing congestion.

The system will deliver information to commuters through the internet and message signs and will enable managers to adjust traffic signals and ramp meters to direct travellers to HOV lanes, HOT lanes, bus rapid transit and other options.

The ICM initiative is funded by the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.