DOUBLE-DECK COVERED ROADWAY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to roadway systems, and more specifically to a double-deck covered roadway that provides a two-level covered roadway system designed to keep light vehicle traffic, such as passenger cars, bicycles, wheelchairs, and the like, separated from heavy vehicle traffic, such as multi-axle trucks, trucks exceeding a predetermined gross vehicle weight, transporters of hazardous materials, and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

Traffic congestion is a worldwide problem. The problem is exacerbated by the ever increasing number of automobiles, trucks, bicycles, and the like that share the roadway infrastructure. High volume traffic comprising the aforementioned variety of vehicle types increases the likelihood of congestion, injury due to accidents, and the consequent negative impact on society's economic growth as the demand for goods and services causes roadway system capacities to be exceeded on a daily basis. Daily gridlock on the roadways is not confined to large cities. Moreover, the stagnation of traffic negatively impacts every member of society in a variety of ways, which include economic, health, social and other factors. Hence, economic growth can be fostered by a more efficient roadway system capable of marshalling vehicle access to the roadway levels based on vehicle type.

Notwithstanding the expansion of e-commerce, products must still be transported, and at some point in the product fulfillment phase, the products are likely to have been transported via roadway to the purchaser.

The much sought after 'holy grail' of highway systems is to provide a system that substantially increases the flow of traffic in a cost effective manner. While two-level roadway structures currently exist, the existing structures do not provide a comprehensive vehicle management and information system that effectively enforces access of only permitted vehicle types according to the roadway level being used. However, such a system would greatly increase a level of safety that would be enjoyed by all users of the roadway.

Notwithstanding current roadway systems, there remains a need for a roadway system that vastly reduces traffic congestion while smoothing vehicular flow. Along with a substantial decrease in traffic congestion, it is desirable to provide a safer driving

environment for a much wider range of vehicles and under a wide variety of environmental/weather conditions.

Thus, a double-deck covered roadway solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The double-deck covered roadway has an upper road for light vehicle traffic and a lower road for heavy, industrial vehicle traffic. The roadway is intelligent and has an access control computer that limits access of the roadways to the appropriate vehicles. Signal emitters, receivers and/or repeaters for microwave, cell phones short-range radio, or the like may be provided. The roadway is covered, and has a slanted roof structure. Solar panels are disposed atop the slanted roof structure. Spindles may be provided that can pull off or pull on an optional protective cover for the solar panels. An indoor services module space houses the access control computer (ACC) and other service systems. Support columns are provided to support the double-deck roadway structure and housing. The underside of the upper roadway can provide attached or embedded monitoring systems, road lighting, signal light boards to communicate with drivers, etc. Scannable permits provide vehicle access to the appropriate road level.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an environmental side view of the double-deck covered roadway according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front section view of the double-deck covered roadway according to the present inventioa Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic environmental front view of a permit sticker affixed to a vehicle windshield for access to a double-deck covered roadway according to the present inventioa

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of permit sticker scanning logic of the double-deck covered roadway according to the present invention. Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As shown in Figs 1-2, the present invention is a double-deck covered roadway 5 that has an upper road 30 for light vehicle traffic and a lower road 25 for heavy, industrial vehicle traffic and heavier/larger passenger vehicles. The roadway 5 is an intelligent system and has an access control computer (ACC) 55 that can limit access of the upper road 30 and the lower road 25 to the corresponding vehicles appropriate to the respective road 30 or 25. Signal emitters, receivers and/or repeaters 40 for microwave, cell phones short-range radio, or the like may also be provided.

Solar panels 10 are disposed atop a gabled or slanted roof structure 7. The roof structure 7 provides protection of roadway 5 from inclement weather, and the like. There may be spindles 8 that can pull off or pull on optional protective covers for the solar panels

10. An indoor services module space 50 houses the access control computer (ACC) 55 and other service systems described hereia

Support columns 15 are provided to support the two roads 25 and 30, as well as roof structure 7. At least one central support column 16 provides sufficient structural support for a rail car system 82 disposed on either side. The rail car system 82 is preferably a light duty passenger rail car system. The underside of the upper roadway can provide attached or embedded monitoring systems, road lighting, and signal light boards 60 to communicate with drivers, or the like. The double-deck covered roadway 5 may be constructed in a modular fashion.

By utilizing all of the systems described herein, traffic congestion may be relieved, while smooth vehicular flow may be achieved. A safe environment for a much wider range of vehicles may be provided by the double-deck covered roadway 5.

The roadway 5 divides vehicular traffic into two categories: those that have the appropriate permits 300 (as shown in Fig. 3) to travel on the upper road 30, which can be constructed over an existing road, or as part of a project that builds both the lower road 25 and the upper road 30; and those that do not have the appropriate permits 300. Permits 300 are available to vehicles below a stated weight. Permits 300 may be comprised of scannable symbols, such as a bar code, and/or may be equipped with a microchip, RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, or the like. Alternatively, a permit 300 may also be disposed on a vehicle license plate. The ACC 55 can, in real-time, direct groups of vehicles and individual vehicles into a desired traffic pattern based on the scannable device information relayed to the ACC 55.

During the first one to three years, when traffic on the upper road is light, the Department of Transportation (DOT) or other regulatory or enforcement department or agency could elect to broaden the permitted weight range somewhat. Hybrid vehicles and other environment friendly vehicles of moderate weight could travel on the upper road 30. The permit 300 is a small sticker including a bar code, RFID tag, microchip, or other device compatible with a scanner. This would be placed in the upper left or lower left corner of the inner surface of windshield VW. As shown at step 400 in Fig. 4, the roadway 5 has the capability to scan permit 300. As shown at steps 410, 420 and 430, if the vehicle displays no permit 300, a flashing sign instructs the driver to exit at the next off-ramp. As shown at steps 440 and 445, if more than a predetermined number of violations, e.g., three (or other number chosen by the DOT) within a predetermined period, such as thirty days, has been exceeded, an appropriate traffic ticket can be issued and sent by registered mail to the offending vehicle owner. Scan processing returns to other functions of the access control computer 55 at step 450. Heavier vehicles are not permitted on upper road 30 because they generate greater momentum at any speed than do the smaller lighter vehicles, are designed for higher speeds, and can give their drivers some sense of invulnerability, which may be exaggerated but nevertheless dangerous, particularly for the occupants of the smaller vehicles. The results of these facts are that many drivers feel pressure to buy larger vehicles, although they would prefer to buy smaller ones because they are cheaper to buy and operate, are more maneuverable, easier to park, and environment friendly.

Permitted vehicles would be small automobiles and trucks, hybrids and medium-size autos, motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, bicycles of various types (some pulling small trailers containing one or two small children, a single adult, or freight of various types), and various vehicles operated by persons with disabilities.

On Ae upper road level 30, bicycles and vehicles for the disabled are directed to travel in their own lane 65 or 70, which can be narrower than those for the other traffic. For safety, these lanes may be separated from the other traffic by an appropriate barrier.

Moreover, a separate motorcycle road area 75 and a separate car road area 80 may be provided by the double-deck covered roadway 5.

Traffic on lower road 25 is composed of heavier and larger automobiles, vans, larger and large trucks, buses service vehicles, and the like, and due to the enforced separation of vehicle types, such vehicles will be able to move faster, in a smoother traffic pattern. The traffic can be monitored by equipment attached to, or embedded in, the underside of the

upper road 30. Speeding, racing, tailgating, erratic driving, lane hopping, cutting off traffic, as well as vehicles having excessive exhausts or which exceed acceptable noise levels, can be warned and or ticketed by appropriate regulatory or enforcement personnel monitoring the roadway 5. In extreme situations, offending vehicles can be trapped by control systems monitoring the roadway 5, which can direct traffic ahead to slow down and move into one lane, which can then be stopped altogether, if necessary. The traffic of the lower road 25 and the traffic of the upper road 30, considered overall, will be smoother, safer, and faster, with fewer episodes of road rage. The inherent advantages of the intelligent double-deck covered roadway 5 will become rapidly accepted by most of the vehicle owners, since it relieves traffic congestion, while creating a safer driving environment.

These desirable results will become more and more pervasive as the coming move towards environmentally positive traffic develops. The double-deck covered roadway 5 will contribute to, and benefit from, mis trend. As shown in Fig. 2, the features of the roadway 5 can be greatly expanded by the services module 50 over the upper road 30.

As indicated in Fig. 1 the roof 7 of the services module 50 can support an extensive array of solar photovoltaic panels 10, and provide a support 45 for an extensive array of wind-driven electric generators. Additionally, a catchment's storage system 57 is provided, along with water pump 56, to capture and use rainfall. The water can be used to water and feed plants 20 in the roadway landscaping, and to spray clean the solar panels 10. Mounts for wireless systems 40, such as cell phones, short-range radio wave distribution systems, or the like may be provided. Edges of the upper road deck 30 can provide support for a banner or pennant display mechanism 61 for displaying notices of holidays, sporting and cultural events historical themes, etc.

The services module space 50 can house service functions, such as lighting systems for the lower road 25 and the upper road 30. Wind generator, photovoltaic subsystems, as well as conduits for various applications, may be housed in the services module space 50. Additionally, fiber optic cables and telephone cables can be housed in the services module 50. Moreover, a system having, for example, a conveyor 9 and rollers 11 for transferring packages P may be housed in the services module 50.

In sub-tropical or other intense sun environments, the shade inherent in this system will be a significant comfort factor and protect the road surfaces themselves from sun-

induced deterioration. The roadway 5 provides the whole community with an opportunity to have safe, orderly, enjoyable, and efficient travel.

Landscaping the views afforded by the upper road 30 and the humaneness of the process will create a uniquely positive travel/commute experience. It will serve the needs of a much broader segment of the population than is served by present roads.

Wherever this invention is used, it will help kick start that community into a new level of ecological efficiency and will serve as an encouraging example for others.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.