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

Operations News

News Archive

 

2023 Urban Congestion Trends Report - 8/23/2024
The 2023 Urban Congestion Trends report is now available. It includes congestion and reliability measure trends in the 52 largest urban areas in the United...

Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives Phase I and II Independent Evaluation: Crosscutting Report - 7/12/2024
The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act of 2015 established the Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives (STSFA) Program to provide...

Traffic Signal Program Handbook - 6/24/2024
The purpose of this handbook is to advance the use of objectives- and performance-based approaches to traffic signal management and to improve design,...

Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives Phase II Evaluation: Mileage-Based User Fee Pilot by the Eastern Transportation Coalition - 6/17/2024
The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act of 2015 established the Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives (STSFA) Program to provide...

Operations Performance Management Primer: From Performance Measures to Performance Management - 5/1/2024
This new primer discusses ways to approach operations performance management as an expansion of operations performance measurement. It also includes an...

2024 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19- “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever”. - 3/22/2024
The 2024 National Work Zone Awareness Week will be hosted by the state of Maryland, with a national kick-off event scheduled for Tuesday, April 16th.

Highlights From the Third Performance Management Regulation (PM3) Peer Exchange Series for State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) - 12/18/2023
This fact sheet reports on highlights from the Peer Exchange for State Departments of Transportation on the third performance management rulemaking, or...

Planning For TSMO Practitioner Reference - 12/5/2023
This Reference document enables transportation planners, operators, and others to plan for Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) by...

Updated FHWA Asset Management for Operations Website - 11/2/2023
The FHWA Asset Management for Operations website has been updated to include presentation slides on Connecting TSMO and Asset Management, links to current...

2022 Urban Congestion Trends Report - 11/1/2023
The 2022 Urban Congestion Trends report is now available. It includes congestion and reliability measure trends in the 52 largest urban areas in the United...

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Safety in Work Zones Targeted Action Plan - 10/26/2023
This report is centered on specific voluntary actions that can be taken by transportation agencies and other stakeholders to address CMV safety in work...

Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives Phase I Evaluation: Enhancing the Road Charge Program in California - 10/16/2023
The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act of 2015 established the Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives (STSFA) Program to provide...

Travel Time Reliability Reference Guide - 10/2/2023
This guide describes key elements for including travel time reliability evaluation within traffic analysis approaches. It includes information on observing...

Application of Travel Time Data and Statistics to Travel Time Reliability Analyses Report and Fact Sheet - 9/18/2023
The second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) funded project, "Application of Travel Time Data and Statistics to Travel Time Reliability...

Approaches to Forecasting the Third Performance Management Rulemaking (PM3) Measures for Target Setting - 8/18/2023
Description: This new report provides example approaches to forecasting for setting targets for the third performance management rulemaking, or PM3, travel...

2021 Urban Congestion Trends Report - 8/18/2023
The 2021 Urban Congestion Trends report is now available. It includes congestion and reliability measure trends in the 52 largest urban areas in the United...

Providing In-Cab, Traffic-Related Warning Messages To Commercial Motor Vehicles - 8/16/2023
This fact sheet provides information on NCDOT’s program to share real time traffic-related warning messages.

Four New Evaluation Reports Added to the Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives Program - 7/26/2023
The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015, Pub. L. No. 114-94, § 6020, authorized the Secretary of Transportation to establish...

New Training: Planning for Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) - 7/10/2023
The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) National Highway Institute (NHI) has created a training series on Planning for TSMO. The Planning...

Approaches for Communicating Third Performance Management Rule (PM3) Measures, Metrics, and Targets - 6/14/2023
The Approaches for Communicating Third Performance Management Rule (PM3) Measures, Metrics, and Targets report highlights communication approaches that...

TSMO: Getting More from Our Existing System Infographic - 6/2/2023
The infographic provides examples of the benefits of a variety of operational improvements in an easy to read and understand format. The infographic...

New Webpage: Coordinating Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) with Safety - 5/31/2023
This page consolidates the growing body of FHWA and external resources highlighting the opportunities to enhance the collaboration and coordination and...

Mainstreaming TSMO Products - 5/30/2023
This set of 12 products, including brochures, case studies, white papers, and an infographic, aims to help State Departments of Transportation and other...

Identification of National Work Zone Safety Objectives and Activities: Summary Report - 5/25/2023
This summary report documents the results of an effort to develop a list of needs, objectives, and activities for enhancing safety in and around work...

Case Studies on the Implementation of SHRP2 Reliability Data & Analysis Tools - 5/25/2023
This set of 18 case studies highlights findings from State Departments of Transportation that implemented reliability data and analysis tools developed...

Providing a 5-Minute Pickup Priority for Ridehail Users Agreeing to Pool: Potential Impacts on Curtailing Bus Delay and Enhancing Equity - 5/2/2023
The purpose of this study is to explore the potential to significantly enhance equity and reduce congestion experienced by city bus riders due to transportation...

Parking Cruising Analysis Methodology: Final Project Report - 4/27/2023
Motorists circling or cruising for on-street parking that is free or priced below market equilibrium can contribute to congestion and other problems....

An Assessment of the Expected Impacts of City-Level Parking Cash-Out and Commuter Benefits Ordinances - 4/26/2023
This project analyzed and evaluated the impact city level parking cash out ordinances could have on vehicle travel, congestion, greenhouse gas emissions,...

2023 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 17-21: You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us. - 4/14/2023
The 2023 National Work Zone Awareness Week will be hosted by the state of Missouri, with a national kick-off event scheduled for Tuesday, April 18th.

Linking TSMO and Transportation Equity Fact Sheet - 4/4/2023
Many state and local agencies recognize importance of transportation equity in achieving a vision for a multi-modal transportation system that is safe,...

Advancing TSMO through Organizational Structures - 3/6/2023
This report applies concepts of organizational theory, specifically related to organizational structure, to explore ways in which organizational models...

Recent FHWA Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Resources - 3/6/2023
The FHWA Office of Operations Institutional Foundation for Effective Operations program creates TSMO resources such as primers, case studies, reports,...

Current FHWA Organizing and Planning for Operations Activities - 3/6/2023
The FHWA Office of Operations Institutional Foundation for Effective Operations program periodically updates its summary of on-going projects and research....

TSMO - Harnessing the Value of Transportation System Performance - 1/30/2023
This presentation provides State-level examples of the measurable benefits of transportation operations strategies. The slides can be used by States or...

Incorporating Reliability Performance Measures in Operations and Planning Modeling Tools - 12/27/2022
This report details pilot projects applying two tools developed under the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2), called Scenario Manager and...

Approaches to Target Setting for PM3 Measures - 11/10/2022
This new report provides example approaches to setting targets for the third performance management rulemaking, or PM3, measures. The approaches include...

Complete Trip Data Factsheet - 11/10/2022
FHWA has recently completed research into the notion of Complete Trip Data, data that provides, at a minimum, location, time, and mode of travel for trips...

Applying TSMO to Rural Areas - 10/25/2022
Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) has been known to be effective in urban and suburban areas. However, TSMO can also be effective...

Webpage on Improving Access to Voting Events - 10/7/2022
FHWA supports the use of traffic analysis tools and enhanced work zone management to improve access to voting events. This effort aids the United States...

Connecting TSMO with other Disciplines Presentation Slides - 10/4/2022
The FHWA Office of Operations developed a series of presentation slide decks for the purpose of communicating Transportation Systems Management and Operations...

Report to Congress on the Value Pricing Pilot Program Through December 2020 - 8/19/2022

Coordination of Information Technology and TSMO - 7/19/2022
The publication Practices for Improving the Coordination of Information Technology and Transportation Systems Management and Operations Resources:...

TSMO Benefits Infographic - 5/19/2022
Infographic showing five State DOT examples of benefits they have identified from implementing transportation systems management and operations (TSMO)...

New Primers on Applying Transportation Asset Management for Traffic Signals and ITS - 5/3/2022
FHWA has released two publications on Applying Transportation Asset Management for Traffic Signals and ITS. These primers will assist state and local...

Talking Freight Webinar for April 26, 2022: Freight for All: Defining Major Equity Considerations in Goods Movement - 4/20/2022
This webinar will discuss initiatives state and metropolitan area transportation organizations have taken to understand the negative impacts freight transportation...

FHWA's 2022 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) Factsheet - 4/6/2022
On April 12, the Virginia Department of Transportation will host the national kick-off event in Hampton Roads, VA. The 2022 NWZAW Factsheet is available...

Local Agency Operations Resources - 3/21/2022
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Operations and our partner Offices throughout FHWA and the USDOT develop products and resources relevant...

Testimonials on the Impact of the SHRP2 Reliability Products - 3/1/2022
Learn the impact of the Reliability products from the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) from this flyer sharing testimonials from State...

Coordination of Information Technology and TSMO - 2/18/2022
Five fact sheets highlight how coordination between Information Technology (IT) and Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) can occur...

Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives Phase I Independent Evaluation: Cross-Cutting Report - 2/18/2022
The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act of 2015 established the Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives (STSFA) Program to provide...

Recent TSMO Resources and Program Activities - 1/13/2022
Two new at-a-glance summaries of 1) recently published FHWA TSMO resources and 2) current activities of the FHWA Organizing and Planning for Operations...

Mainstreaming TSMO: Examples of Integrating TSMO Across a Transportation Agency - 12/22/2021
This infographic shows ways that a transportation agency can integrate TSMO throughout its organization to advance and mainstream TSMO. Examples are provided...

2020 Urban Congestion Trends Report Available - 9/20/2021
The latest annual report on urban congestion trends is now available. The 2020 Urban Congestion Trends report includes annual traffic congestion-related...

New Website: ITS Cybersecurity - 9/20/2021
The Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office has launched a new website on ITS Cybersecurity. This website will provide information and...

2021 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 26-30- "Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives" - 4/23/2021
The 2021 National Work Zone Awareness Week will be hosted by the state of Michigan, with a national virtual kick-off event scheduled for Tuesday, April...

Analysis of Travel Choices and Scenarios for Sharing Rides Final Report - 4/23/2021
The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing traveler decisions about driving or taking a shared ride, including...

Webinar on Version 3.1 of the Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) Specification and Put Work Zones on the Map Awareness Campaign. - 4/22/2021
The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) will host a webinar on the WZDx Specification on April 29, 2021 as a complementary effort to National...

Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives Phase I Evaluation: Pre-Deployment Activities for a User-Based Fee Demonstration by the Minnesota Department of Transportation - 3/3/2021
This report presents the independent evaluation results of pre-deployment activities for a user-based fee demonstration by the Minnesota Department of...

Organizing for TSMO — 2020 Peer Exchange Report - 2/25/2021
FHWA hosted a group of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) leaders to share their agencies' experiences in advancing TSMO programs...

FHWA issues Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) for the 11th edition of the MUTCD - 12/16/2020
The Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) for the 11th edition of the MUTCD is now available for public comment in the Federal Register. The NPA represents...

RITIS: A Probe-data Source for Enhancing Operations and Planning Capabilities - 11/30/2020
This publication provides an overview of the work zone performance monitoring application of the Regional Integrated Transportation Information System...

The National Performance Management Research Data Set (NPMRDS) and Application for Work Zone Performance Measurement - 11/25/2020
This fact sheet provides a quick overview of how National Performance Management Research Data Set (NPRMDS) can be used to manage work zone mobility performance....

National Work Zone Traffic Management and Safety Virtual Conference - 9/14/2020
The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse will present a two-hour virtual event from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern, Thursday, Sept. 17.

Topics...

2019 Urban Congestion Trends Report Available - 9/11/2020
The latest annual report on urban congestion trends is now available. The 2019 Urban Congestion Trends – Leveraging Data to Improve Operations Performance...

TSMO Outreach Kit - 7/23/2020
Gaining buy-in and collaboration for transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) among different units and programs within a DOT, and with...

Border Wait-Time Technology Noteworthy Practices - 6/11/2020
States and local government agencies are deploying border wait time technologies to successfully address congestions at the land ports of entry. These...

Enhancing Active Transportation and Demand Management (ATDM) with Advanced and Emerging Technologies and Data Sources - 5/27/2020
This document provides information for enhancing ATDM applications using emerging technologies and data sources. It introduces emerging technologies and...

Integrated Corridor Management: Making the Case to Executive Leadership - 5/15/2020
This nine minute video introduces and explains that Integrated Corridor Management, or ICM, is a multi-agency, corridor-wide response, and not just a...

Real-Time Integration of Arrow-Generated Work Zone Activity Data into Traveler Information Systems - 3/26/2020
This fact sheet provides information on using Connected Arrow Boards, by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, to improve traveler information and...

Using Safety Contingency Funding to Address Unforeseen Safety Needs During Construction in Texas - 3/26/2020
Unforeseen needs often arise during the construction phase of a project. To address this issue, Texas Department of Transportation uses a safety contingency...

Raising Awareness of Artificial Intelligence for Transportation Systems Management and Operations - 2/13/2020
This report introduces the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and potential areas of AI applications in Transportation Management...

Active Demand Management Capability Maturity Framework (CMF) tool - 1/27/2020
This framework is intended for agencies or regions to assess current capabilities with respect to advancing the role of demand management practices as...

Decision Support Framework and Parameters for Dynamic Part-Time Shoulder Use: Considerations for Opening Freeway Shoulders for Travel as a Traffic Management Strategy - 1/6/2020
Building off the FHWA Part Time Shoulder Use (PTSU) Guide released in 2016,...

Transportation Management Center Information Technology Security - 12/20/2019
Transportation Management Center (TMC) Information Technology (IT) Security – This report assists State agencies to develop technical guidelines...

Does Travel Time Reliability Matter? - 12/18/2019
Travelers depend on the U.S. transportation system every day to get to work and to special events, acquire and deliver goods and services, and respond...

Considerations of Current and Emerging Transportation Management Center Data - 12/5/2019
The report is to identify, research and synthesize current, emerging and potential future practice of public and private sectors real-time traffic data...

United States - European Commission Urban Freight Twinning Initiative: Compendium of Project Summaries, Volume II - Overview of 2018-2019 International Urban Freight Roundtables - 11/18/2019
This compendium provides high-level descriptions of ongoing or recently completed international urban freight initiatives which were shared at the 2018...

Strengthening Linkages between Transportation Demand Management and Traffic Management - 11/4/2019
This document presents real-world examples of how State and local traffic managers and demand management professionals can work together and coordinate...

Integrating Reliability into Transportation System Management – New Approaches for Linking Planning & Operations - 10/28/2019
The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) explored and demonstrated the significance of travel time reliability in understanding and enhancing the...

Transportation Management Centers: Streaming Video Sharing and Distribution - 10/17/2019
Transportation Management Centers: Streaming Video Sharing and Distribution – The purpose of this document is to synthesize current practices and...

2018 Urban Congestion Trends Report Available - 10/9/2019
The latest annual report on urban congestion trends is now available. The 2018 Urban Congestion Trends — Improving Operations, Improving Performance...