Freeway Management Program
photos of trucks right lane only sign, toll booth, HOV sign, and HOV lanes
21st century operations using 21st century technologies

About the Freeway Management Program

highway overpasses

The Freeway Management Program supports and promotes the use of integrated and coordinated freeway systems and proactive freeway management to improve the safety efficiency and reliability of travel on the nation's freeway facilities. The program provides this support and promotion through the following types of activities: Applied research in the planning and development, operation and management, and performance monitoring and evaluation regarding freeway management and operations; Training workshops and conferences; Legislative policy standards and technical guidance; Outreach and awareness; and Program support. Depending on the overlap and relationship with ongoing and planned activities the program may take the lead, provide collaboration, or simply coordinate with other program areas in providing its support.

The program focuses on two primary areas:

  • Freeway Operations and Traffic Management - Overall freeway operations and traffic management involves managing travel and controlling traffic involves the application of the appropriate policies, strategies, and actions to mitigate any potential impacts resulting from the intensity, timing, and location of travel and to enhance mobility on highway and freeway facilities.
  • Managed Lanes and HOV Facilities - Managed Lanes are defined as highway facilities or a set of lanes where operational strategies are proactively implemented and managed in response to changing conditions. Conceptually, Managed Lanes are based upon flexible operating strategies and active management of the transportation system and provide the perspective needed for integrated operations leading to improved performance.
Office of Operations