Active Traffic Management: The Next Step in Congestion Management NTOC Webinar Presented by Jessie Yung, P.E. Office of Transportation Management April 30, 2008

Congestion Management in the U.S. Travel demand is on the rise Traffic congestion is increasing Financial constraints are a reality Reduce traffic congestion by bringing supply and demand into alignment Active Traffic Management (ATM) is one of the operational strategies to manage congestion

OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES Improving the efficiency of the transport system by: Providing real-time, multi-modal information Predicting travel times Active traffic management Traffic management centers Parking management Photo enforcement Improved public transport Managing large-scale events and emergencies Highway reconstruction mitigation Sources: ATAC, Schreffler, Hull, AVV

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: Traffic vs. Travel Demand Management

2006 International Scan Sponsored by FHWA, AASHTO, NCHRP Participants from Minnesota, Washington, Texas, private sector, and FHWA Original purpose was to learn European approach to congestion management using managed lanes, but the scan team found out more…

What is Active Traffic Management? “Ability to dynamically manage recurrent and non-recurrent congestion based on prevailing traffic conditions” A complete package of operational strategies! Use of integrated systems with new technologyUse of integrated systems with new technology

Why ATM? Active management –Increase throughput and safety –Provide reliable trips –Reduce congestion –Provide enhanced information to motorists –Provide additional capacity during periods of congestion or incidents

Example of ATM Strategies Speed harmonization Temporary shoulder use Queue warning Dynamic signing and re-routing

Speed Harmonization Slow traffic before queuing begins Extend time of efficient travel to users Delay point of breakdown Benefits are reduced accidents, increased throughput, and better work zone safety

Temporary Shoulder Use Implemented with speed harmonization Signs indicate shoulder open for use, blank otherwise Refuge areas and call boxes also available

Queue Warning Informs motorist of reason for slower speeds Integrated into overhead system

Dynamic Re-Routing Dynamic message signs Partnerships with information providers

Putting It All Together – M42 UK Source: Highways Agency

ATM – Benefits (European Experiences) Average throughput increase: 3 - 7% Overall capacity increase: % Decrease in primary accidents: %; Decrease in secondary accidents: 40 – 50%

What’s Next? Synthesis of current state-of-the-practices and state-of-the-art Develop guidance and educational materials Deployment in the UPA cities: Minneapolis and Seattle Develop lessons learned case studies

What is UPA? Part of USDOT Congestion Initiative 4 Ts – Tolling, Transit, Telecommuting, Technology USDOT Secretary announced five Urban Partners in August 2007 –Miami, New York City, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle $853 million Federal discretionary grants

For more information ATM Scan Report is available on-line Managing Travel Demand (MTD) Workshop MTD Scan Report is available on-line FHWA Contacts or (202) or (404) or (404)