The City of Sugar Land is responsible for managing mobility along its busy highways and other major roadways. One of the City’s priorities is to create a great place to live by providing superior mobility. The ability to manage mobility creates an environment that is appealing not only to residents but business, as well. The City has a well established reputation deploying Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to address traffic related safety, environmental, and congestion problems through the use of technology. This initiative has been recognized numerous times through awards from various professional organizations.

Since 2008, the City has had three ITS Master Plans (last updated in 2014) that have established a clear vision and strategic direction in order to proactively manage traffic within the City. Through these plans, the City has built one of the best Traffic Management Centers in the state which helps monitor and manage all signalized intersections. It has completed supporting projects that have upgraded vehicle detection systems that added essential data gathering capabilities; upgraded outdated school zone beacon systems to improve reliability; implemented adaptive traffic signal control which makes signal adjustments to SH 6 based on actual traffic demand; installed dynamic message signs which warn motorists of future or existing delays to their commute; and solidified the ITS website with traveler information, including a data sharing agreement with Waze. All these projects have brought benefits such as improved travel times on major corridors; real-time/historic traffic data which assists staff in making operation decisions; and better sharing of traffic information to motorists.

In a continuing effort to keep ahead of mobility needs, the City’s ITS Master Plan is updated every 4-5 years to identify needs that support the City’s priority to keep improving mobility. This year, the ITS Master Plan Update will document the existing state of the City’s ITS, identify any existing needs, research ITS that can benefit the City, and propose any possible measurable solutions. The scope of work will include but is not limited to the following key items:

• Connected Vehicle Technology
• Smart Parking
• Machine Learning Benefits
• Dashboard Development
• Advanced Traffic Controller (ATC) standards
• Pedestrian & Bicycle Facility Technology
• Investigate Railroad Traffic Operations Mitigation
• Potential Partnerships with Private Industry to share data & develop traffic mitigation solutions

Arcadis U.S., Inc., was selected through an RFQ process in accordance with City Policy PU-109 for procurement of professional services. There were a total of 3 responses to the RFQ and staff interviewed the top two ranking firms.

The Public Works Department has negotiated the above scope of work with Arcadis U.S., Inc., for a fee in the amount of $99,967.88. Funding is available in project NCIP10 within the Public Works Operating budget. Completion is anticipated in the first half of FY20.

The Public Works Department recommends that the City Council approve a professional services contract, in the amount of $99,967.88, with Arcadis U.S., Inc., to update the City’s ITS Master Plan.