Office of Operations
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21st century operations using 21st century technologies

Operations News - Archive

News

News Archive

Model Systems Engineering Documents for Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) - 8/27/2019
The Model Systems Engineering Documents for Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) report is intended to provide guidance for professionals involved in developing systems engineering documents covering the evaluation, selection and implementation of DMS. The document provides a framework for agencies to clearly articulate their needs, and specify succinct and comprehensive system requirements to guide the procurement and implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Program: Major Achievements, Key Findings, and Outlook - 8/22/2019
This report references key considerations, documentation, evaluation findings, and other resources that are useful for ICM planning, deployment, and operations.

U.S. Department of Transportation Roadway Transportation Data Business Plan (Phase 3): Data Business Plan Development for State and Local Departments of Transportation - 7/17/2019
As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Roadway Transportation Data Business Plan (DBP) project, the Federal Highway Administration Office of Operations developed a technical assistance document (Guide) for State DOT and local agency staff charged with mobility data-related responsibilities to follow in the creation, development, and implementation of a DBP for roadway travel mobility data. This document provides systematic instructions on how to plan for, implement, and maintain a DBP, including stakeholder outreach, data assessment and improvement plan, data governance processes and documents, and data management practices. This Guide was pilot tested with Maryland DOT State Highway Administration, Mid-America Regional Council and the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Maryland State Highway Administration Pilot of the Data Business Plan Guide for State and Local Departments of Transportation: Data Business Plan - 7/17/2019
This Data Business Plan (DBP) proposed a framework for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration to integrate and report on mobility data. It comprises of three components: 1) Data—Description of data elements including data inventory and required improvements related to availability, timeliness, coverage and quality; 2) Architecture—A high-level description of the interaction between databases and tools to support use of the integrated mobility data; and 3) Governance—An institutional structure describing roles and responsibilities related to ensuring all data is available and able to be integrated.

Mid-America Regional Council Pilot of the Data Business Plan for State and Local Departments of Transportation: Data Business Plan - 7/17/2019
This Data Business Plan (DBP) identified opportunities for increased collaboration and efficiency in the development of a robust performance management program, as the agency actively works to: 1) meet the Federally mandated requirements on performance measures, and 2) develop its own performance management program with a focus on mobility. Furthermore, it would prepare the agency for shifts in transportation as a result of technologies, including automation and big data. The expected outcome of this effort would develop a process for developing, collecting, calculating, and reporting on performance measures to support mobility in the region.

Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization Pilot of the Data Business Plan for State and Local Departments of Transportation: Data Business Plan - 7/17/2019
The Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization Data Business Plan (DBP) addressed multimodal data integration across the region (including challenges related to data systems, technology, and governance). This DBP identified what mobility data is being collected by partners, how the data could support mobility planning, operations, and performance measure activities, and who is responsible for managing and updating the data. The expected outcome of this DBP is a framework for partner agencies to share travel time and speed data for roadway users and freight within the tri-county region for planning purposes.

Planning for Reliability Workshop - 5/29/2019
Travel time reliability is critical to many transportation system users, whether they are drivers, transit riders, or freight shippers and carriers. This 1-2 day workshop equips planners and operators to integrate reliability and operations into transportation planning using a performance-based approach. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the concept of reliability and its measures. Small group exercises allow participants to apply what they have learned to realistic scenarios and leave the workshop with an action plan.

Targeted Work Zone Engagement Framework Guidance - 4/12/2019
The Targeted Work Zone Engagement Framework ("Framework") is designed to support work zone program personnel in enhancing the effectiveness of their work zone safety and mobility policies and procedures. It is intended for use by State agency staff in conjunction with FHWA subject matter experts to identify and assess work zone safety and mobility impact mitigation needs, determine useful resources, and implement improvements. The Framework includes a range of information resources (guidelines, field guides, podcasts, training, and analytical tools) along with guidance to assist agencies in determining how to improve their own work zone safety and mobility policies and procedures based on available data.

Safely Implementing Rolling Roadblocks for Short-term Highway Construction, Maintenance, and Utility Work Zones - 4/11/2019
This Fact Sheet summarizes best practices related to rolling roadblocks for short-term road work activities requiring a short-term full closure of the roadway.

Smarter Work Zones: Alternative Funding for Work Zone ITS Fact Sheet - 4/10/2019
This fact sheet focuses on the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) use of Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds to deploy technology applications in work zones.

Model Systems Engineering Documents for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems - 3/6/2019
The Model Systems Engineering Documents for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems report is intended to provide guidance for professionals involved in developing systems engineering documents covering the evaluation, selection and implementation of CCTV systems.

U.S. Department of Transportation to Host Webinar on the Work Zone Data Exchange Project - 2/20/2019
The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) is hosting a webinar on the Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) project. The webinar will be held on February 26, 2019, at 3:00 pm ET.

Communicating the Role and Value of TSMO to Other Programs - 2/12/2019
Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) often supports, impacts, or otherwise relates to other State and local transportation agency functions and offices such as design, maintenance, and safety. TSMO and these other disciplines can be carried out more effectively if the connections between these areas are strengthened. To provide context for these potential connections, fact sheets, presentations, and other resources relating TSMO to 12 other program areas are available.

Transportation Systems Management and Operations in Smart Connected Communities - 1/24/2019
Smart, connected communities enable those living, working, or traveling in these areas to realize improved quality of life by taking advantage of innovative technologies and collaborative institutional arrangements that facilitate extensive real-time data sharing, effective communications, and evidence-based decision making. This primer describes the key characteristics of smart, connected communities and how they can benefit from closer collaboration with Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) and how TSMO can benefit from these collaborations. The primer explains TSMO and provides several examples of what TSMO might look like in a smart, connected community.

Expanding Traveler Choices through the Use of Incentives: A Compendium of Examples - 1/24/2019
With increased congestion across the Nation's roadways, transportation agencies and others are testing new approaches and implementing programs to cause travelers to shift their behavior to alleviate congestion. Using behavioral economic theories, agencies have provided different incentives to promote behavioral changes from travelers to shift modes, times of travel, or routes taken before and during their trips. This primer looks at different programs across the world to see how organizations have tackled congestion with these strategies.

Advancing Organizational Capabilities for Transportation Systems Management and Operations: February 2018 Peer Exchange Report - 1/16/2019
This report summarizes the findings of a peer exchange that brought together transportation agencies to discuss challenges, best practices, and lessons learned related to advancing organizational capabilities for transportation systems management and operations based on the SHRP2 Organizing for Reliability Initiative.

Freight and Land Use Travel Demand Evaluation - 1/10/2019
This report identifies and documents best practices and tools for better understanding and analyzing how land use, local economic development, and demographic factors drive freight movement, trip generation, and freight demand analysis. The report includes evaluation of practices for integration of land use and freight planning, last-mile considerations, freight and land use data sources, and scenario planning.