Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

H3−4: Use of Traffic Management Centers to Advise Motorists of Work Zone Delays

DESCRIPTION:

Approximately 25 years ago, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and FHWA created a traffic management system and center on Long Island. It covered most of the Long Island Expressway (I−495), Northern State Parkway, and State Route 25. Loop detectors, ramp meters, a computerized signal system, cameras, and variable message signs were placed throughout this 35 mile corridor to provide traffic information such as work zone delays, with an ability to manage congestion and provide motorist information on incidents. Since then, Traffic Management Centers have been established in most urban areas of New York State.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

NYSDOT and FHWA realized that traffic was increasing but fiscal constraints and environmental and right of way impacts can preclude traditional methods of building a way out of congestion. Therefore, it was decided to try and manage the facilities to minimize the delays due to congestion and to provide detour alternatives in case of major incidents.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

NYSDOT was able to gain greater information on real−time traffic flow and to react quicker to incidents impacting traffic flow. Motorists benefited by spending less time in congestion unnecessarily.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Urban and suburban freeway, parkway, and arterial roadways.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

New York

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Emmett McDeVitt, FHWA New York Division Office
Phone: (518) 431−4125, ext. 8898
E−mail: emmett.mcdevitt@dot.gov