Transportation projects that include ITS elements need to address regional and federal ITS requirements in order to use federal highway trust funds for projects. The requirements direct all ITS projects using federal highway funds to be developed based on a standard systems engineering analysis, which includes demonstrating how the project fits into the Regional ITS Architecture. Is Your Project an ITS Project?   The first step is to assess whether your project includes any intelligent transportation systems (ITS) elements? ITS is defined as advanced information processing, communications, sensing, or control technologies that are used to improve the safety and efficiency of the transportation system. Examples include interconnecting traffic signals, transit signal priority systems, variable message signs, closed-circuit television cameras, automatic passenger counters, and traffic signal control software. Meeting the Federal and Regional ITS Requirements The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century requires that all intelligent transportation system (ITS) projects using highway trust funds (including the mass transit account) must "conform" to the National ITS Architecture and ITS technical standards. Fitting your Project into the Regional ITS Architecture The third step is to demonstrate how your project fits into the Thurston Regional ITS Architecture. The Regional ITS Architecture defines a regional framework for ensuring institutional agreement and technical integration for the implementation of ITS projects in the Thurston County region. It is designed to provide guidance and serve as a resource for the development of local ITS projects. Conducting a Systems Engineering Analysis The fourth step is to conduct a systems engineering analysis on your project. Systems engineering analysis is a structured process that assists with developing the final design of a system. The analysis should be on a scale commensurate with the project scope - that is, the more complex the project, the more complex the analysis. Please see the User Needs, User Services and User Requirements for more information on this element.

A highway accident increases the risk of an additional accident by six times, according to a study of accident statistics on California freeways. Cities that monitor roads are able to remove stalled vehicles 50% faster than cities that do not.