Intelligent Dimension Evaluation and Alerting System (IDEAS)

Low or narrow bridges are often hit by legal-sized commercial vehicles and oversize vehicles often strike regulation bridges. In both cases the accidents result in extensive property damage, possible personal injuries and even death, and increased traffic congestion. Past attempts to warn drivers of risks for bridge hits have failed due to inaccurate measurement, high rates of false alarms, or simply because drivers fail to observe warnings. During Phase I, International Electronic Machines Corporation investigated the feasibility of developing a new, highly accurate, high resolution sensor system capable of measuring height, length, and width of commercial vehicles traveling at speeds up to 80 mph; intelligently evaluating the likelihood of a bridge hit; and notifying drivers and law enforcement using emerging wireless communications. Phase I work indicated that this Intelligent Dimension Evaluation and Alert System are technically feasible. During Phase II, IEM will advance IDEAS development by building and testing two alternative-technology test systems; select a preferred approach; and then build, test, and demonstrate a full scale prototype at a commercial vehicle screening site on an Interstate highway.