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| System Operations |
Arterial Operations and Traffic Control Systems
 | Arterial Operations and Traffic Control Systems Points-of-Contact |
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 | Arterial Management Section of the FHWA Office of Operations Website |
| This website is a compilation of resources related to arterial systems management and traffic signal operations. The website reports on recent events plus contains a list of contacts and related links, including the Practitioner Toolbox. The Practitioner Toolbox website links to awareness and outreach materials, training courses, and reference documents related to arterial operations. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/arterial_mgmt/index.htm. | |
| Access Management Section of the FHWA Office of Operations Website |
| This website is a compilation of resources related to access management, which is the proactive management of vehicular access points to land parcels. Access management techniques include access spacing, driveway spacing, safe turning lanes, median treatments, and right-of-way management. The website discusses what access management is, how it is achieved, what FHWA's role is, and what FHWA's measures of success are. The website lists technical assistance resources, such as publications, videos and points-of-contact. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/access_mgmt/index.htm. | |
| Intersections/Red Light Enforcement Camera Resources Section of the FHWA Office of Safety Website |
| This website is a compilation of resources related to red light camera (RLC) enforcement systems. The site contains an overview of RLC systems, a discussion of camera technology, and an annotated bibliography of importance references, guidance documents and technical reports. The site also contains points-of-contact and related links. Case studies from California, Maryland, Minnesota, New York and Virginia show the safety benefits these local jurisdictions have experienced after deploying red light camera systems. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersections/redl_cameras.htm. | |
| Transportation Research Board Committee AHB70 (formerly ADA70) on Access Management Website |
| This site is the official website of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Committee AHB70 (formerly ADA70) on Access Management. The site discusses what access management is, why it is important, what the elements of a comprehensive access management program are. The website illustrates the 10 principles of access management in an interactive animated video. The website also contains a list of committee members, a schedule of upcoming access management-related events, and links to FHWA resources, state department of transportation access management websites, software developed under TRB sponsorship that calculates the impacts of access management techniques, and numerous publications. Documents accessible through Committee AHB70's website include TRB's Access Management Manual, access management guidelines and handbooks from states and local jurisdictions, state and local access management codes and regulations, proceedings of past conferences, and NCHRP reports. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.accessmanagement.info. | |
 | ASC Lite |
| ACS Lite is a scaled-down version of the Adaptive Control Software (ACS) developed by FHWA and its partners in the early 2000s. ACS Lite has most of the functionality of ACS at a much lower cost. ACS Lite does not work on all traffic signal systems, only those operating under closed loop control, which describes 90% of the traffic signal systems in the U.S. Four manufacturers of traffic signal controllers have integrated ACS Lite to operate with their products; this integration has been validated by FHWA through field tests. Cost: Variable, depending on vendor To Access This Resource: Contact the following FHWA-approved vendors or FHWA staff:
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| Traffic Software Integrated System (TSIS) 6.0 |
| The Traffic Software Integrated System (TSIS) is a collection of software tools designed for use by traffic engineers and researchers. Originally built as a simple shell around the microscopic traffic simulation model CORidor SIMulation (CORSIM), TSIS has evolved into a sophisticated toolkit. CORSIM simulates traffic networks by moving individual vehicles across a combined surface street and freeway network. The TSIS package contains everything users need to perform traffic analyses through microscopic simulation: the TSIS application traffic tools, including CORSIM, sample projects, and documentation and support files. Cost: $1,000 for the complete package; $500 for upgrades from older software packages. To Access This Resource: Order TSIS through the McTrans Center for Microcomputers in Transportation at the University of Florida, (352) 392-0378, fax: (352) 392-3224, mctrans@ce.ufl.edu, http://mctrans.ce.ufl.edu. | |
 | Intelligent Transportation Systems for Traffic Signal Control: Deployment Benefits and Lessons Learned (FHWA-JPO-07-004) (2007) |
| This leaflet is one in a series that shows how ITS technologies can reduce congestion, in support of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Congestion Initiative. This leaflet summarizes the benefits, costs, extent of deployment and lessons learned about the use of ITS for traffic signal control. The online version contains a full list of sources, so that all information in the leaflet's brief four pages is backed up with supporting documentation. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. For the online version, access the following website addresses:
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| Reduce Congestion with Access Management CD (FHWA-HEP-07-023) (2007) |
| The CD contains three key resources related to access management: a video and brochure, both titled Safe Access is Good for Business, and a summary report from a 2006 scanning tour of the U.S. on access management. The 12-minute video (FHWA-HEP-07-025) provides an overview of access management specifically targeted to address the concerns of business owners who fear that a change in street frontage will negatively affect his or her business. A 16-page brochure (FHWA-HOP-06-107) accompanies the video, providing additional detail, statistics and references, and acts as a take-home product to reinforce the message. The Domestic Access Management Scan Tour: Summary Report (FHWA-HEP-07-024) discusses how three local jurisdictions, one in Minnesota and two in Maine, conduct comprehensive transportation planning to achieve good access management outcomes. The scan tour found that a major key to access with access management is a multidisciplinary, multi-jurisdictional approach that brings together engineering, planning, and land use. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Contact the following FHWA staff:
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| Coordinated Freeway and Arterial Operations Handbook (FHWA-HRT-06-095) (2006) |
| This handbook provides direction, guidance and recommendations on how to coordinate freeway and arterial operations in a proactive and comprehensive manner. The handbook defines coordinated freeway and arterial (CFA) operations and discusses how to apply CFA to four areas of high pay-off: traffic incident management, work zone management, planned special events management, and day-to-day (or recurring) operations. The handbook concludes with a discussion of new technologies such as ITS and an example of CFA in an incident management program in Northern Virginia. Development of this handbook was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/cfprojects/uploaded_files/06095.pdf. | |
| Traffic Signal Preemption for Emergency Vehicles: A Cross-Cutting Study (FHWA-JPO-05-010) (2006) |
| This report is one in a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies. Emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) systems give emergency response vehicles a green light on their approach to a signalized intersection while providing a red light to conflicting approaches. This report examines how transportation, police, fire/rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) officials in three local jurisdictions – Fairfax County, Virginia; Plano, Texas; and St. Paul, Minnesota – used EVP to improve emergency vehicle response time, improve safety and lower costs. The report discusses who is using EVP nationwide and what are the technology options, as well as benefits, costs lessons learned from their implementation. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. For the online version, access the following website addresses:
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| Red Light Camera Systems Operational Guidelines (2005) |
| These purpose of these guidelines is to assist state and local jurisdictions that are considering the implementation of red light camera (RLC) enforcement systems. The guidelines cover problem identification, consideration of various safety countermeasures, RLC program initiation, system planning, engineering design, installation, operation, maintenance, and public information and education. Appendices provide an extensive list of references and a discussion of legal considerations. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Traffic Control Systems Handbook (FHWA-HOP-06-006) (2005) |
| This handbook serves as a basic reference for planning, designing and implementing traffic control systems. The handbook presents a compendium of traffic control technology, including detectors, local controllers, communications equipment, traveler information systems, and overall systems control. The handbook provides advice on selection, design, implementation, and long-term management of a traffic control system, using the systems engineering (SE) concept of life-cycle processes. The handbook concludes with an overview of the ITS planning process at the national, regional, state and agency levels. Last updated in 1996, the 2006 edition presents a more up-to-date compendium of technology, as well as a broader definition of traffic signal control that includes non-technological methods of achieving surface street traffic management. In addition, much of the material related to freeways that was included the 1996 edition was moved to the newly revised Freeway Management and Operations Handbook. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Contact Eddie Curtis, FHWA Office of Transportation Operations, (404) 562-3920, Eddie.Curtis@dot.gov. | |
| Transit Signal Priority: A Planning and Implementation Handbook (2005) |
| This handbook lays out the steps one should follow to implement a successful transit signal priority (TSP) project, including planning, design, implementation, operations, maintenance, evaluation, verification, and validation. The handbook uses eight in-depth case studies to communicate lessons learned in system architecture, equipment, software, communications, simulation, optimization, institutional issues, and public reaction to TSP. The case studies are presented in their entirety in the handbook's appendices, along with a list of resources and glossary of terms. This handbook was developed by the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) with funding from the U.S. DOT. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/pdf/TSPHandbook2005.pdf. To order a hardcopy, contact David Ridgley, ITS America, (202) 721-4228, DRidgley@itsa.org. | |
| Access Management DVD Library (2004) |
| This DVD set contains a library with over 500 documents and videos related to access management, including past conference proceedings, conference presentations, and NCHRP reports related to access issues. The library has searchable indices in several formats, including Adobe Acrobat and MS Excel. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Contact Neil Spiller, FHWA Office of Transportation Management, (202) 366-2188, Neil.Spiller@dot.gov. | |
| Adaptive Control Software (FHWA-HRTS-04-037) (2004) |
| This brochure briefly presents the findings of a 10-year research effort at FHWA's Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) to develop several algorithms for adaptive traffic signal control. Project participants developed five initial prototype algorithms to address different geometric and traffic conditions. Three of the five were selected for field testing and further refinement. The brochure describes each of these three control strategies and the situations under which each is most appropriate for use. The brochure also describes the benefits, such as reduced travel time and reduced delay, experienced in field tests of the algorithms, as well as the estimated per-intersection cost of installation. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website addresses:
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| An Overview of Transit Signal Priority (2004) |
| First published in 2002 and updated in 2004, this 27-page brochure provides an overview of transit signal priority (TSP). The brochure covers what TSP is, why it is important, what the costs and benefits are, how to plan for TSP deployment, and what issues to consider in the design, implementation, operations and maintenance of TSP. This brochure was developed by the Intelligent Transportation Society of America with funding from the U.S. DOT. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/pdf/FinalTSPOverviewUpdate.pdf. To order a hardcopy, contact David Ridgley, ITS America, (202) 721-4228, DRidgley@itsa.org. | |
| Telecommunications Handbook for Transportation Professionals: The Basics of Telecommunications (FHWA-HOP-04-034) (2004) |
| This handbook provides with basic descriptions of terms and technologies that are commonly used (or considered) in the deployment of freeway management and traffic signal systems, including both voice and data communications. The handbook covers telecommunications fundamentals, the relationship between telecommunications and the National ITS Architecture, a step-by-step process for developing a telecommunications system, field devices, maintenance, warrantees, and construction. The handbook also examines the Internet and cutting-edge technologies. Two case studies from Utah and Texas are provided. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website addresses:
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| Access Management Manual (2003) |
| This manual provides technical information on access management techniques, along with information on how access management programs can be effectively developed and administered. The manual deals with the subject of access management in a comprehensive manner in an effort to integrate planning and engineering practices and the transportation and land use decisions that can improve access or make it worse. The manual draws upon the knowledge of experienced access management professionals to offer practical advice and lessons learned. Cost: $80 for the hardcopy version; $60 for the CD-ROM version; $100 for the hardcopy and CD-ROM set. To Access This Resource: Contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "AMM03," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. | |
| Benefits of Access Management (FHWA-OP-03-066) (2003) |
| This brochure serves as a guide to the major benefits of access management, namely improved movement of through traffic, reduced crashes, and fewer vehicle conflicts. The brochure profiles the three most commonly used access management techniques: access spacing, turning lanes, and median treatments. The brochure notes that many businesses experience an increase in sales after implementation of access management techniques near their properties. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Signal Timing Process Final Report (2003) |
| Efforts to improve traffic signal timing operations have often focused on development and deployment of new timing plans. However, what was lacking in traffic signal timing literature was an examination of all the component procedures of the signal timing process: signal timing optimization, field deployment, performance evaluation, data management and documentation. This report addresses this discrepancy by examining the four component procedures of the traffic signal timing process, as well as interfaces between those procedures. The report describes signal timing processes and hardware commonly in use today. The report concludes with an evaluation of 12 research projects that could be undertaken at the national level to meet the needs of state and local agencies, three of which were found to have the highest potential for a nationwide improvement in traffic signal operations. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address: http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/arterial_mgmt/rpt/sig_tim_proc/index.htm. | |
| Unclogging Arterials: Prescriptions for Relieving Congestion and Improving Safety on Major Local Roadways (FHWA-OP-03-069) (2003) |
| This guidebook presents 15 strategies for increasing mobility and safety of travel on arterial streets. The guidebook also contains 10 case studies of local agencies that have employed these strategies, an action checklist and appendices showing example documents, such as memoranda of understanding and city legislation, that readers can use as models in their own areas. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@its.dot.gov. | |
| Cross-Jurisdictional Signal Coordination: Case Studies Final Report (FHWA-OP-02-034) (2002) |
| This report identifies five geographical areas that maintain cross-jurisdictional signal coordination. Each area has identified an approach that works well in its particular situation and demonstrates that cross-jurisdictional signal coordination is an achievable goal for any size community, regardless of the number of jurisdictions involved. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/repts_te/13613.html. | |
| Successful Traffic Signal System Procurement Techniques: A Summary of Effective Processes (FHWA-OP-02-032) (2002) |
| Traffic signal systems are benefiting from the micro-computing and technology explosion of the past several decades. These new systems are more adaptable and more reliable than traffic signal systems of the past. However, these new technologies, and the capabilities enabled by them, introduce difficulties in procurement. Agencies are finding that these systems, equipment, and software do not meet their expectations for functionality and maintainability. In addition, it has become more difficult to manage the budget and schedule of a traffic signal system installation project. This document outlines a suggested procurement methodology that can support agencies in defining their signal systems needs and communicating those needs in a procurement. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/repts_te/13611.html. | |
| Cross-Jurisdictional Signal Coordination in Phoenix and Seattle: Lessons Learned from the Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (FHWA-OP-01-035) (2001) |
| This is one in a series that documents lessons learned from the Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI). This report documents the benefits of integration between traffic signal controls across jurisdictional boundaries. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses: .
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| San Antonio's Medical Center Corridor: Lessons Learned from the Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (FHWA-OP-01-034) (2001) |
| This is one in a series that documents lessons learned from the Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI). This report documents the benefits of integration of traffic management on both freeways and arterial streets. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/repts_te/13220.pdf. | |
| What Have We Learned about Intelligent Transportation Systems? Chapter 3: Arterial Management (2000) |
| This document is an excerpt from a compendium report that looks back on the 10 years of the National ITS Program to examine which ITS technology applications have been successful, which have not been successful, and what are the underlying factors that determine success versus failure. This section examines arterial management systems, such as adaptive traffic signal control, traveler information about conditions on arterial streets, automated red light running enforcement, and traffic signal preemption for emergency vehicles. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/repts_te/13319.pdf, EDL# 13319. | |
| Enhancing Public Safety, Saving Lives – Emergency Vehicle Preemption (FHWA-JPO-99-002) (1999) |
| This brochure, one in a series designed to encourage decision-makers to invest their own budget resources in ITS, examines the public safety benefits of preemption of traffic signals for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks. The brochure quotes chiefs of transportation and fire departments at several cities around the country about the benefits they have experienced from using these systems. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/brochure/6871.pdf. | |
| Manual of Traffic Signal Design, Second Edition (1998) |
| This manual covers the fundamentals of traffic signal design. The manual provides wiring and cabling specifications, shows readers how to prepare contractual documents, and discusses how to supervise construction of these systems. This second edition reflects changes in the warrants in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), National Electronic Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards, and the FHWA Federal Procedures Manual. Cost: $75 for members of the Institute for Transportation Engineers (ITE); $94 for non-members. To Access This Resource: Contact the ITE Bookstore, http://www.ite.org/bookstore/index.asp, (202) 289-0222 x130, fax: (202) 289-7722, publications@ite.org. | |
 | Safe Access Is Good for Business (FHWA-HEP-07-025) (2006) |
| This 12-minute video provides an overview of access management specifically targeted to address the concerns of business owners who fear that a change in street frontage will negatively affect his or her business. The video discusses what access management is and the problems it is intended to solve. The video shows how improving the streetscape may actually improve business by alleviating traffic congestion, which many shoppers want to avoid. The video concludes with an explanation of the land use and transportation planning process and how business owners can get involved in local decision-making. A 16-page brochure (FHWA-HOP-06-107) accompanies the video, providing additional detail, statistics and references, and acts as a take-home product to reinforce the message. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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 | CORSIM Traffic Simulation Model Training (NHI Course# 137022) |
| This seminar provides an understanding of CORidor SIMulation (CORSIM), a tool that simulates traffic and traffic control conditions on combined surface street and freeway networks. CORSIM determines how traffic engineering and control strategies impact a prescribed network's operational performance, as expressed in terms of various measures of effectiveness (MOEs). The MOEs, such as speed and delay, provide insights into the effects of the applied strategy on traffic operations and provide the basis for optimizing the applied strategy. Skill Level: Specialized learning. Target Audience: Traffic engineering technical staff from Federal, state, and local agencies. Course Length: Three days. Cost: $400 per participant. The sponsoring organization is responsible for providing 200 Mhz microcomputers with Windows 95 or Windows NT or better, color monitors, and a hard disk with 50 Mb free storage memory. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/brows_catalog.aspx and search for course number "137022." | |
| Traffic Signal Design and Operation (NHI Course# 133028) |
| This course addresses the application of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to intersection displays, as well as signal timing, computerized traffic signal systems, control strategies, integrated systems, traffic control simulation, and optimization software. Upon completion of this course, participants will gain an understanding of the congestion and delays that exist on streets and roadways, and how these delays can be managed through effective traffic signal timing and optimization. The course is divided into two parts: Traffic Signal Timing and Design, and Traffic Signal Systems. Skill Level: Specialized learning. Target Audience: Federal, state, and local traffic engineers involved in the design, review, and inspection of traffic control projects. Course Length: Two days. Cost: $300 per participant. The course fee includes a copy of the Manual of Traffic Signal Design, Second Edition. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/brows_catalog.aspx and search for course number "133028." | |
| Access Management, Location and Design (NHI# 133078) |
| This course presents the fundamentals of access management (AM) along highways and arterial streets. Topics covered in this course include the benefits of AM, AM practices and policies from various states and jurisdictions, warrants, design guidelines for the application of AM, retrofit programs, and evaluation of AM's impact on safety and operations. Target Audience: Engineers and planners at the Federal, state and local levels who expect to be involved in decisions about access to new or existing sites. Course Length: Three days. Cost: $400 per participant. The course fee includes a copy of the Transportation Research Board's Access Management Manual. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/brows_catalog.aspx and search for course number "133078." | |