Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs

Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs (RTSOPs) are programs whereby state and local agencies work collaboratively to address issues relevant to traffic signal management and operations within a region. RTSOPs may be organized formally or informally and adopt an organizational structure and engage in activities that are relevant to the needs of the region to address mobility issues on arterial street networks. A typical element of RTSOPs is providing resources both monetary and technical to coordinate the operation of traffic signals on arterial roadways that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

RTSOPS offer an opportunity to provide consistency in management and operations practices by leveraging expertise and creating a forum to discuss technical issues and provide support for agencies throughout the region. Several RTSOPs have recognized an increase in funding to support both agency and regional traffic management and operations activities and capital improvement projects. By working collaboratively, aligning operations objectives with regional planning objectives, RTSOPs are able to compete more effectively for limited transportation funding.

Several regions have demonstrated an ability to improve traffic signal management and operations through objective and performance oriented strategies and activities. The links below highlight several RTSOPs.

Key Publications & Information

Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs: An Overview (HTML, PDF 2.3MB) (Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-09-007) - This report provides an overview of practices related to developing and sustaining a Regional Traffic Signal Operations Program.
NCHRP Synthesis 420 - Operational and Institutional Agreements That Facilitate Regional Traffic Signal Operations - Identifies and highlights critical attributes of successful RTSOPs across the United States.
Best Practices In Regional, Multiagency Traffic Signal Operations Management
Transportation Research Board, Subcommittee on Regional Traffic Signal Systems Operations - The purpose of this subcommittee is To promote collaborative regional traffic signal management, operations and maintenance activities that result in safer more efficient travel on arterial routes and integrate arterial facilities with other facilities within the transportation network. This is a joint subcommittee with Freeway Operations and Traffic Signal Systems.
Additional Publications

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Search Operations: Arterial Management Home FOCUS AREAS Traffic Signal System Management Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs Traffic Signal Timing & Operations Strategies TOOLBOX Awareness & Outreach Publications Training & Workshops Adaptive Signal Control Technology (ASCT) RESOURCES FHWA Resource Center Operations Team FHWA Office of Safety Signalized Intersection Program Access Management Asset Management Planning For Operations Traffic Analysis Tools National Operations Center of Excellence TRB Traffic Signal Systems Committe TRB Subcommittee on Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs Contact Us	Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs Arterial Management Home Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs (RTSOPs) are programs whereby state and local agencies work collaboratively to address issues relevant to traffic signal management and operations within a region. RTSOPs may be organized formally or informally and adopt an organizational structure and engage in activities that are relevant to the needs of the region to address mobility issues on arterial street networks. A typical element of RTSOPs is providing resources both monetary and technical to coordinate the operation of traffic signals on arterial roadways that cross jurisdictional boundaries. RTSOPS offer an opportunity to provide consistency in management and operations practices by leveraging expertise and creating a forum to discuss technical issues and provide support for agencies throughout the region. Several RTSOPs have recognized an increase in funding to support both agency and regional traffic management and operations activities and capital improvement projects. By working collaboratively, aligning operations objectives with regional planning objectives, RTSOPs are able to compete more effectively for limited transportation funding. Several regions have demonstrated an ability to improve traffic signal management and operations through objective and performance oriented strategies and activities. The links below highlight several RTSOPs. Denver Regional Council of Governments – Traffic Signal Program Georgia Department of Transportation – Regional Traffic Operations Program Metropolitan Transportation Commission – Arterial Operations Program Operation Green Light - Mid-America Regional Council Orange County Transportation Authority Traffic Light Synchronization Puget Sound Regional Council Regional Transportation Commission - Washoe County, Nevada Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Key Publications & Information Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs: An Overview (HTML, PDF 2.3MB) (Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-09-007) - This report provides an overview of practices related to developing and sustaining a Regional Traffic Signal Operations Program. NCHRP Synthesis 420 - Operational and Institutional Agreements That Facilitate Regional Traffic Signal Operations - Identifies and highlights critical attributes of successful RTSOPs across the United States. Best Practices In Regional, Multiagency Traffic Signal Operations Management Transportation Research Board, Subcommittee on Regional Traffic Signal Systems Operations - The purpose of this subcommittee is To promote collaborative regional traffic signal management, operations and maintenance activities that result in safer more efficient travel on arterial routes and integrate arterial facilities with other facilities within the transportation network. This is a joint subcommittee with Freeway Operations and Traffic Signal Systems. Additional Publications You may need the Adobe® Reader® to view the PDFs on this page.
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