Arterial Management Program
time-lapse photo of traffic traveling in both directions on an urban arterial road
21st Century Operations Using 21st Century Technologies

Arterial Management Program

What's New

The FHWA Model Systems Engineering Documents for Adaptive Signal Control Technology (ASCT) Systems was developed to support the Every Day Counts Adaptive Signal Control Technology Initiative. This interim version of the document provides agency professionals with understanding and tools to inform suppliers about what they need and expect from adaptive control by facilitating the alignment of agency objectives, needs and requirements. The goal of the FHWA Every Day Counts ASCT is to mainstream the use of ASCT where traffic conditions and agency resources support and can sustain implementation. To learn more about this EDC initiative, contact your local FHWA Division Office or email eddie.curtis@dot.gov. To discuss the document or leave feedback to help us improve subsequent versions, please visit the National Transportation Operations Coalition (NTOC) Traffic Signal Library and User Forum.

Traffic signals and the design of arterial facilities affect us daily as we travel to and from work, school, shopping and recreational facilities. There are an estimated 272,000 traffic signals in the United States and each has a profound impact on how safely and efficiently we share the space of intersections as we travel to our destinations. In many major metropolitan areas, the freeway system is functioning at or beyond the capacity for which it was designed. Many drivers are choosing to use arterial streets as an alternative. The growing demand on arterial systems creates congestion on the thoroughfares that define our cities and suburbs. The Arterial Management program is dedicated to actively improving the operation of traffic signal systems and employing techniques to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on arterial networks.

Focus Areas

Program Resources
Office of Operations