The Alameda County Transportation Commission has received $12.45 million from the California Transportation Commission for the implementation of the Freight Intelligent Transportation System (FITS) program at the Port of Oakland. FITS includes 15 freight technology demonstration projects designed to address traffic management, security systems and roadway improvements at the Oakland seaport. The funding comes from California Senate Bill 1 funds.
The Port said FITS will reduce congestion and improve traffic flow for truckers who haul cargo containers in and out of Oakland. It will also update security systems and provide a common communication platform for first responders, the Port added.
"This funding will help improve the Port's maritime operations," said Port of Oakland Director of Maritime John Driscoll. "FITS will help reduce truck wait times and provide a safer and more secure maritime area."
Some examples of FITS demonstration projects:
--Interagency emergency operations and traffic management center;
--WiFi for truckers to access traffic and terminal gate updates;
--Changeable message signs to show traffic delays for truckers;
--Vehicle queue detection for accurate measurement of truck turn times;
--Mobile phone app for truckers.
The Alameda County Transportation Commission will administer construction of 13 FITS improvement projects. The Port will administer construction of two projects that are security related. FITS is also a component of the Transportation Commission's GoPort Program designed to improve freight movement in the Oakland Seaport area. The GoPort Program also provides air quality benefits through reductions in truck idling and street congestion resulting from freight movement efficiency.
The total cost of the FITS program is $30.6 million and all projects are scheduled to be completed by late 2021, followed by 12 months of systems testing. The project is expected to go live in late 2022.
