The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) recently enhanced urban freight mobility in the City of Syracuse with a comprehensive study of designated truck routes. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate truck-related signs, SMTC built a GIS database and used it to identify missing and contradictory signs.

The City and SMTC were aware that some "No Truck" signs contradicted with designated truck routes. An inventory had not been undertaken for some time.

Using GPS, every truck sign was located and the data overlaid onto digital GIS maps. Anomalies stood out immediately: signs located outside the city limits of Syracuse, signs located outside the right-of-way, "No Truck" signs installed on designated truck routes, " Local Truck Route" signs placed on No Truck routes, and missing signs.

The GPS/GIS database provided SMTC and the City with the information needed to replace, update, and maintain the truck route signs. It was an efficient and cost-effective way to inventory signs and identify deficiencies and improvements.

For additional information on the use of GPS to locate and inventory traffic or other municipal appurtenances, contact Steve Boddecker, L.S. at (585) 334-1310 or sboddecker@fisherassoc.com.