  The rapid growth in terms of the availability of transportation data provides
great potential for the introduction of emerging data-driven methodologies into
transportation-related research and development efforts. However, advanced
data-driven models, such as artificial-intelligence based approaches, usually
contain complicated modeling structures and require strict data formats along
with a very complex execution environment. It is thus often challenging to
deploy and implement such data-driven models in a real-world environment.
Moreover, a full-fledged application requires not only well developed and
calibrated models, but also efficient connections with back end infrastructure
such as large databases and front end utilities, such as a user-interface. This
paper introduces a novel platform which provides an integrated architecture for
deploying multi-purpose real-time traffic management applications. Inspired by
the concept of modular design in software system development, this paper
proposes a modular platform allowing users to customize their mission specific
needs and preferences. The developed platform is capable of incorporating
flexible user-provided models and/or data with the ultimate goal of deploying
them as a complete application ready for real-world use. To illustrate this
novel modular software system concept, this paper presents a work zone
management and coordination application that is built upon the developed
implementation platform to provide useful decision support to traffic
engineers.
