Congestion Management Process (CMP)

A congestion management process (CMP) is a systematic and regionally-accepted approach for managing congestion that provides accurate, up-to-date information on transportation system performance and assesses alternative strategies for congestion management that meet State and local needs. A CMP is required in metropolitan areas with population exceeding 200,000, known as Transportation Management Areas (TMAs). Federal requirements state that in all TMAs, the CMP shall be developed and implemented as an integrated part of the metropolitan transportation planning process; however, Federal regulations are not prescriptive regarding the methods and approaches that must be used to implement a CMP.

The CMP and planning for operations are frequently combined in metropolitan regions. The strategies that come from a CMP are often M&O strategies. The CMP uses an objectives-driven, performance-based approach to planning for congestion management. Through the use of congestion management objectives and performance measures, the CMP provides a mechanism for ensuring that investment decisions are made with a clear focus on desired outcomes. This approach involves screening strategies using objective criteria and relying on system performance data, analysis, and evaluation.