Modernizing Traffic Data Collection and Software

Title: Modernizing Traffic Data Collection and Software
Problem Description: The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) faces critical challenges in modernizing its traffic data collection and management systems. SDDOT's loop-based traffic monitoring system is aging, expensive to maintain, and unable to support modern analytics or emerging detection technologies. The existing software, developed decades ago, lacks modern data integration and analysis capabilities, creating inefficiencies and limiting the usefulness of collected data.
SDDOT's traffic data is fragmented across multiple systems with inconsistent formats and limited accessibility, resulting in data silos and redundant collection efforts. These limitations hinder statewide planning, corridor analysis, operational decision-making, and prevent data-driven opportunities for innovation.
To address these challenges, this research will evaluate and recommend modern sensor technologies (for example radar, lidar, video) and software solutions for centralized, vendor-neutral data management. It will define strategies for interoperability using standards such as, but not limited to, the Universal Traffic Data Format (UTDF) and Traffic Monitoring Guide (TMG) file formats, describe data governance best practices, and outline requirements for a shared data warehouse accessible to SDDOT and local agencies. These actions will ensure that data is standardized and secure while preparing for future statewide modeling and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) integration.
In parallel, SDDOT is pursuing an Active Traffic Management System (ATMS) with a deadline of January 2027. The ATMS will operate roadside devices and collect real-time traffic data for use across multiple state systems. Close coordination with the ATMS effort is required to prevent duplicative sensor deployments and ensure shared use of detection infrastructure and data.
For purposes of this Project Statement: 􀁸 The term "framework" refers to a coordinated structure of standards, requirements, and practices that guides how data is collected, managed, integrated, and used across SDDOT.
This project will establish the foundational data collection, integration, and governance framework, including recommendations and decisions that support traffic modeling without rework. The project will also ensure that the data framework supports real-time operational needs, including integration with ITS/ATMS, variable speed limits, incident management, and other emerging applications. This framework supports scalability, minimizes redundant work, and positions SDDOT for long-term modeling and innovation.
The end goal of this project is to create a modern, integrated, and accessible traffic data framework that supports real-time traffic operations, advanced traffic modeling, long-term statewide travel demand forecasting, and continued data-driven innovation for SDDOT - while ensuring SDDOT continues to meet all Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) traffic submittal requirements.
Importance: Modernizing traffic data systems are essential to provide accurate, timely, and accessibility information for planning, design, and operations. Without intervention, SDDOT risks disruptions due to the failure of legacy systems and continued inefficiencies caused by fragmented data practices.
Improved data systems will enable better decision-making, reduce deployment and maintenance costs, and support compliance with FHWA guidelines.
Centralized, interoperable data management will improve agency collaboration, support ITS integration, and establish a foundation for future statewide traffic modeling. By adopting modern technologies and implementing best practices for data governance, this project will define a sustainable framework that keeps South Dakota's transportation network responsive to current and future demands.
Proposal Deadline: Proposals are due to the SDDOT by 5:00 pm CDT on Friday, June 12, 2026. This deadline is firm. Extensions will not be granted.
Proposals must be submitted as an e-mail attachment in Portable Document Format (PDF) not exceeding 14MB. The email must be addressed to andy.vandel@state.sd.us and danny.doorn@state.sd.us. Proposers should send the e-mail using "Delivery Receipt" and "Read Receipt" options to verify successful delivery.
Proposal Guidelines: Proposals must fulfill the requirements listed in the document entitled RESEARCH PROPOSAL PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION and dated April 27, 2026.
Proposal Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated by a technical panel knowledgeable in the problem area. Selection will be made in consideration of criteria listed in RESEARCH PROPOSAL PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION.
Project Management: Danny Doorn is responsible for the management of this project and can be reached at danny.doorn@state.sd.us to answer inquiries.