Planned Special Events (PSEs) can cause congestion and unexpected delays to travelers by increasing traffic demand or reducing roadway capacity (e.g., street closures for parades). These delays are unlike congestion caused by routine traffic during daily peak travel periods. The frequency and severity of the impacts resulting from these disruptions are increasing significantly in both metropolitan and rural areas. To advance or improve upon current practices through planning, coordination, and traffic management, the USDOT has developed the following documents:

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Managing Travel for Planned Special Events Handbook – This September 2003 handbook presents and recommends policies, regulations, planning and operations processes, mitigation strategies, equipment and personnel resources, and technology applications used in the advance planning, management, and monitoring of travel for planned special events.

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Planned Special Events: Checklists for Practitioners – These six checklists are for event-specific planning for PSE travel management. These checklists follow the order in which the topics are presented in the FHWA handbook, Managing Travel for PSEs.

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Managing Travel for Planned Special Events Executive Summary – This June 2007 document includes condensed essential information for decision makers and senior officials who must be familiar with PSE planning and operations; provide safe travel to and from these events; understand the value of regional collaboration; and recognize the merits of local, county, and/or State transportation, transit, and public safety agencies, and private sector partners working together in planning and implementing these events.

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Tabletop Exercise Instructions For Planned Events and Unplanned Incidents/Emergencies – This November 2007 document provides information participants will need to develop and organize tabletop exercises to prepare for planned events and unplanned incidents and emergencies.