Guidelines for Developing Transportation Management Plans in Virginia

Guidelines for Developing Transportation Management Plans in Virginia

Author: Benjamin H. Cottrell

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 52

ISBN-13:

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A transportation management plan (TMP) is a comprehensive program of traffic control, communication, operation, and demand management strategies designed to maintain acceptable levels of traffic flow in work zones. A systematic procedure and/or checklist is needed for developing plans to lessen the impact of construction projects that restore or improve highways. The purpose of this research was to establish guidelines for developing TMPs for construction projects. Three questions were addressed by the guidelines: When should a TMP be developed? How should a TMP be developed? What should be in a TMP? The Federal Highway Administration published the Final Rule on Work Zone Safety and Mobility on September 9, 2004. It facilitates the comprehensive consideration of the broader safety and mobility impacts of work zones across project development stages and the adoption of additional strategies including TMPs that help manage these impacts during project implementation. Guidelines for TMPs were derived from a draft implementation guide for the final rule with minor revisions. TMPs may consist of up to three components: (1) a temporary traffic control plan that describes traffic control measures used to facilitate road users through a work zone; (2) transportation operations strategies that will be used to ease work zone impacts; and (3) public information strategies to inform those affected by the project of the expected work zone impacts and changing conditions. At a minimum, each TMP should have a temporary traffic control plan. It is recommended that the Virginia Department of Transportation implement the guidelines developed in this study.


Book Synopsis Guidelines for Developing Transportation Management Plans in Virginia by : Benjamin H. Cottrell

Download or read book Guidelines for Developing Transportation Management Plans in Virginia written by Benjamin H. Cottrell and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A transportation management plan (TMP) is a comprehensive program of traffic control, communication, operation, and demand management strategies designed to maintain acceptable levels of traffic flow in work zones. A systematic procedure and/or checklist is needed for developing plans to lessen the impact of construction projects that restore or improve highways. The purpose of this research was to establish guidelines for developing TMPs for construction projects. Three questions were addressed by the guidelines: When should a TMP be developed? How should a TMP be developed? What should be in a TMP? The Federal Highway Administration published the Final Rule on Work Zone Safety and Mobility on September 9, 2004. It facilitates the comprehensive consideration of the broader safety and mobility impacts of work zones across project development stages and the adoption of additional strategies including TMPs that help manage these impacts during project implementation. Guidelines for TMPs were derived from a draft implementation guide for the final rule with minor revisions. TMPs may consist of up to three components: (1) a temporary traffic control plan that describes traffic control measures used to facilitate road users through a work zone; (2) transportation operations strategies that will be used to ease work zone impacts; and (3) public information strategies to inform those affected by the project of the expected work zone impacts and changing conditions. At a minimum, each TMP should have a temporary traffic control plan. It is recommended that the Virginia Department of Transportation implement the guidelines developed in this study.

Development of Performance Assessment Guidelines for Virginia's Work Zone Transportation Management Plans

Development of Performance Assessment Guidelines for Virginia's Work Zone Transportation Management Plans

Author: Anthony A. Gallo

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 73

ISBN-13:

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As America's roadways are becoming more congested and in need of maintenance and repair, management of traffic through work zones is a major issue for state departments of transportation. To assist states with this challenge, in 2004, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published its "Final Rule on Work Zone Safety and Mobility," which mandated that state DOTs develop transportation management plans (TMPs) for all federally funded roadway construction projects. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) now requires TMPs for all projects, regardless of funding source. Part of federal and Virginia TMP requirements are to monitor and assess traffic impacts, including a post-construction evaluation of the TMP. Currently, TMPs are not being assessed following individual construction projects, and VDOT does not yet have a formally established process to assess TMP performance throughout its districts and regions. The purpose of this project was to develop a set of guidelines to assist VDOT's work zone personnel and contractors with evaluating TMP performance. The research methodology examines existing literature on work zone evaluation strategies. Thirty state DOTs, as well as personnel within VDOT, were surveyed to explore TMP assessment practices. Finally, two work zone case studies from within the Commonwealth of Virginia were examined. The results of this research effort were used to develop Guidelines for TMP Performance Assessment, with aid and review from a VDOT Performance Assessment Task Group. While these new requirements may add up-front costs to project engineering, VDOT will benefit by having a methodology in place to identify and measure successful strategies to manage safety and mobility impacts from work zones.


Book Synopsis Development of Performance Assessment Guidelines for Virginia's Work Zone Transportation Management Plans by : Anthony A. Gallo

Download or read book Development of Performance Assessment Guidelines for Virginia's Work Zone Transportation Management Plans written by Anthony A. Gallo and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 73 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As America's roadways are becoming more congested and in need of maintenance and repair, management of traffic through work zones is a major issue for state departments of transportation. To assist states with this challenge, in 2004, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published its "Final Rule on Work Zone Safety and Mobility," which mandated that state DOTs develop transportation management plans (TMPs) for all federally funded roadway construction projects. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) now requires TMPs for all projects, regardless of funding source. Part of federal and Virginia TMP requirements are to monitor and assess traffic impacts, including a post-construction evaluation of the TMP. Currently, TMPs are not being assessed following individual construction projects, and VDOT does not yet have a formally established process to assess TMP performance throughout its districts and regions. The purpose of this project was to develop a set of guidelines to assist VDOT's work zone personnel and contractors with evaluating TMP performance. The research methodology examines existing literature on work zone evaluation strategies. Thirty state DOTs, as well as personnel within VDOT, were surveyed to explore TMP assessment practices. Finally, two work zone case studies from within the Commonwealth of Virginia were examined. The results of this research effort were used to develop Guidelines for TMP Performance Assessment, with aid and review from a VDOT Performance Assessment Task Group. While these new requirements may add up-front costs to project engineering, VDOT will benefit by having a methodology in place to identify and measure successful strategies to manage safety and mobility impacts from work zones.

Traffic Management Teams

Traffic Management Teams

Author: Benjamin H. Cottrell

Publisher:

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 28

ISBN-13:

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A traffic management team improves the overall traffic operations in an urban area, especially along urban corridors, through the communication, coordination, and cooperation of the transportation-related operational agencies in the area. Since various state, county, and city agencies are responsible for the ground transportation system in an urban area for optimal traffic management, it is essential that these agencies work together. Traffic management teams have proven to be a very successful means of coordinating the activities of transportation-related operational agencies in urban areas in Texas. A team typically consists of representatives of city and state traffic engineering offices, city and state law enforcement agencies, and the local transit authority. Other agencies are included if they are significantly involved in the operation of the urban corridors. Although most advantageous in cities with populations above 300,000, traffic management teams are useful for any size city where major travel corridors cross jurisdictional boundaries and where there is a need. to improve relationships between transportation operational agencies. The activities that are coordinated by a team include: (1) work zone traffic, (2) route improvements, (3) normal operations, (4) emergency planning, and (5) special event traffic handling. Guidelines for a traffic management team based on what has been successful for exisiting teams are presented. The guidelines include organizational structure, conduct of team meetings, keys to success, and measures of effectiveness. An action plan for implementation of traffic management teams in Virginia was developed. In the plan, urban areas where traffic management teams would be useful are identified, and steps to implement a traffic management team are identified. It is recommended that traffic management teams be implemented in all urban areas in Virginia. These teams would be especially advantageous for the Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Tidewater areas.


Book Synopsis Traffic Management Teams by : Benjamin H. Cottrell

Download or read book Traffic Management Teams written by Benjamin H. Cottrell and published by . This book was released on 1988 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A traffic management team improves the overall traffic operations in an urban area, especially along urban corridors, through the communication, coordination, and cooperation of the transportation-related operational agencies in the area. Since various state, county, and city agencies are responsible for the ground transportation system in an urban area for optimal traffic management, it is essential that these agencies work together. Traffic management teams have proven to be a very successful means of coordinating the activities of transportation-related operational agencies in urban areas in Texas. A team typically consists of representatives of city and state traffic engineering offices, city and state law enforcement agencies, and the local transit authority. Other agencies are included if they are significantly involved in the operation of the urban corridors. Although most advantageous in cities with populations above 300,000, traffic management teams are useful for any size city where major travel corridors cross jurisdictional boundaries and where there is a need. to improve relationships between transportation operational agencies. The activities that are coordinated by a team include: (1) work zone traffic, (2) route improvements, (3) normal operations, (4) emergency planning, and (5) special event traffic handling. Guidelines for a traffic management team based on what has been successful for exisiting teams are presented. The guidelines include organizational structure, conduct of team meetings, keys to success, and measures of effectiveness. An action plan for implementation of traffic management teams in Virginia was developed. In the plan, urban areas where traffic management teams would be useful are identified, and steps to implement a traffic management team are identified. It is recommended that traffic management teams be implemented in all urban areas in Virginia. These teams would be especially advantageous for the Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Tidewater areas.

A Strategic Plan for the Design and Creation of a Safety Management System for the Commonwealth of Virginia

A Strategic Plan for the Design and Creation of a Safety Management System for the Commonwealth of Virginia

Author: Jack D. Jernigan

Publisher:

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13:

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The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 required that states develop systems for managing highway pavement, bridges, safety, congestion, public transportation, and intermodal transportation. This document is Virginia's work plan for establishing and implementing the required safety management system (SMS). Although Virginia already has many of the components necessary for an SMS, an inventory and assessment of Virginia's highway safety-related programs revealed five challenges Virginia needs to meet to build its SMS. These challenges are (1) to coordinate and integrate safety efforts more fully; (2) to provide guidelines for the replacement and upgrade of safety hardware, highway elements, and operational features; (3) to increase the sharing of data and the integration of data systems that support transportation safety; (4) to provide for more rigorous evaluation of transportation safety efforts; and (5) to target injury reduction. A schedule of activities needed to implement Virginia's SMS by October 1, 1996, is included.


Book Synopsis A Strategic Plan for the Design and Creation of a Safety Management System for the Commonwealth of Virginia by : Jack D. Jernigan

Download or read book A Strategic Plan for the Design and Creation of a Safety Management System for the Commonwealth of Virginia written by Jack D. Jernigan and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 150 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 required that states develop systems for managing highway pavement, bridges, safety, congestion, public transportation, and intermodal transportation. This document is Virginia's work plan for establishing and implementing the required safety management system (SMS). Although Virginia already has many of the components necessary for an SMS, an inventory and assessment of Virginia's highway safety-related programs revealed five challenges Virginia needs to meet to build its SMS. These challenges are (1) to coordinate and integrate safety efforts more fully; (2) to provide guidelines for the replacement and upgrade of safety hardware, highway elements, and operational features; (3) to increase the sharing of data and the integration of data systems that support transportation safety; (4) to provide for more rigorous evaluation of transportation safety efforts; and (5) to target injury reduction. A schedule of activities needed to implement Virginia's SMS by October 1, 1996, is included.

The Development of a Methodology for Transportation Safety Planning in Virginia

The Development of a Methodology for Transportation Safety Planning in Virginia

Author: Clinton H. Simpson

Publisher:

Published: 1980

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13:

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Senate Bill 85, passed by the General Assembly in 1978, renamed the former Highway Safety Division of Virginia the Department of Transportation Safety (VDTS) and authorized it to assume control over safety activities in all modes of transportation. This volume is the first attempt at formulating a methodology for transportation safety planning. Future transportation safety plans will become annual documents which identify long-range goals, analyze current problems, and offer planned solutions for non-highway transportation mode* problems. This initial document presents a current overview of the Commonwealth's programs and safety activities in water, air, rail and mass transit transportation. Future programs and federal sources of funding are discussed. The report is designed to provide an indication of safety problems and propose some possible solutions to these problems. Finally, this document establishes guidelines for use as an aid in future transportation safety planning in Virginia. *It should be noted at the outset that it is recognized that most mass transit activity in Virginia utilizes rubber-tired vehicles travelling by highway. However, for purposes of simplicity, this report refers to all of the above cited transportation modes as "non-highway."


Book Synopsis The Development of a Methodology for Transportation Safety Planning in Virginia by : Clinton H. Simpson

Download or read book The Development of a Methodology for Transportation Safety Planning in Virginia written by Clinton H. Simpson and published by . This book was released on 1980 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Senate Bill 85, passed by the General Assembly in 1978, renamed the former Highway Safety Division of Virginia the Department of Transportation Safety (VDTS) and authorized it to assume control over safety activities in all modes of transportation. This volume is the first attempt at formulating a methodology for transportation safety planning. Future transportation safety plans will become annual documents which identify long-range goals, analyze current problems, and offer planned solutions for non-highway transportation mode* problems. This initial document presents a current overview of the Commonwealth's programs and safety activities in water, air, rail and mass transit transportation. Future programs and federal sources of funding are discussed. The report is designed to provide an indication of safety problems and propose some possible solutions to these problems. Finally, this document establishes guidelines for use as an aid in future transportation safety planning in Virginia. *It should be noted at the outset that it is recognized that most mass transit activity in Virginia utilizes rubber-tired vehicles travelling by highway. However, for purposes of simplicity, this report refers to all of the above cited transportation modes as "non-highway."

Review of Operations in the Virginia Department of Transportation's Project Development Process

Review of Operations in the Virginia Department of Transportation's Project Development Process

Author: Benjamin H. Cottrell

Publisher:

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 35

ISBN-13:

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The Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT's) project development process (PDP) directs how construction projects are developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the manner in which operations is currently considered throughout the PDP and to identify opportunities to expand and enhance the consideration of operations such that the outcome is a more efficient and effective roadway system. The term operations refers to the safe, efficient, and effective movement of traffic on the highway system. Overall, the PDP is working well with regard to addressing traffic engineering issues. The project team process is valuable in reviewing and developing plans. Although there is some variety in the manner in which TE staff participates in the PDP across regions, there is consensus that the process is most effective when TE staff members are involved regularly and throughout the process. A blend of flexibility to account for the uniqueness of projects and project teams and consistency in the application of the basics of the PDP is important. Communication among all PDP team members is a critical component of the process. The resolution of recommendations brought by any team member needs be documented and disseminated to all team members. Checklists used to ensure that all issues have been addressed are not currently universally employed but are considered valuable in instances where team members are new to the process or the team desires the additional structure checklists provide. Clear procedures for dispute resolution are needed to improve the PDP process when consensus cannot be reached on recommendations. Recommendations are offered for improving the operations aspect of the PDP, including providing a description of role and responsibilities of the TE staff in the PDP, providing guidance as to who has responsibility and accountability for TE and safety-related items in the plans, reviewing the process for establishing a schedule and budget to make certain that adequate time is provided for project development and reviews with a focus on program management, and examining the opportunity to begin the PDP concurrent with the end of the planning process.


Book Synopsis Review of Operations in the Virginia Department of Transportation's Project Development Process by : Benjamin H. Cottrell

Download or read book Review of Operations in the Virginia Department of Transportation's Project Development Process written by Benjamin H. Cottrell and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 35 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT's) project development process (PDP) directs how construction projects are developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the manner in which operations is currently considered throughout the PDP and to identify opportunities to expand and enhance the consideration of operations such that the outcome is a more efficient and effective roadway system. The term operations refers to the safe, efficient, and effective movement of traffic on the highway system. Overall, the PDP is working well with regard to addressing traffic engineering issues. The project team process is valuable in reviewing and developing plans. Although there is some variety in the manner in which TE staff participates in the PDP across regions, there is consensus that the process is most effective when TE staff members are involved regularly and throughout the process. A blend of flexibility to account for the uniqueness of projects and project teams and consistency in the application of the basics of the PDP is important. Communication among all PDP team members is a critical component of the process. The resolution of recommendations brought by any team member needs be documented and disseminated to all team members. Checklists used to ensure that all issues have been addressed are not currently universally employed but are considered valuable in instances where team members are new to the process or the team desires the additional structure checklists provide. Clear procedures for dispute resolution are needed to improve the PDP process when consensus cannot be reached on recommendations. Recommendations are offered for improving the operations aspect of the PDP, including providing a description of role and responsibilities of the TE staff in the PDP, providing guidance as to who has responsibility and accountability for TE and safety-related items in the plans, reviewing the process for establishing a schedule and budget to make certain that adequate time is provided for project development and reviews with a focus on program management, and examining the opportunity to begin the PDP concurrent with the end of the planning process.

Updating the Transportation Plans in Virginia's Small Urban Areas

Updating the Transportation Plans in Virginia's Small Urban Areas

Author: C. B. Gay

Publisher:

Published: 1987

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13:

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The Transportation Planning Division (TPD) of the Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for developing transportation plans for areas in the state having a population greater than 3,500. Although transportation forecasting procedures for areas of 50,000 or more are well defined and uniform throughout the state, the procedures used for areas of under 50,000 population vary. Based on a review of available literature and a survey of the forecasting procedures being used by state transportation agencies throughout the country, it was concluded that the procedures currently being used are valid. A generalized process for formulating a forecasting procedure for specific areas is recommended, along with several suggestions to be considered when the procedures are being developed. Additionally, the report provides a summary of forecasting techniques currently in use.


Book Synopsis Updating the Transportation Plans in Virginia's Small Urban Areas by : C. B. Gay

Download or read book Updating the Transportation Plans in Virginia's Small Urban Areas written by C. B. Gay and published by . This book was released on 1987 with total page 92 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Transportation Planning Division (TPD) of the Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for developing transportation plans for areas in the state having a population greater than 3,500. Although transportation forecasting procedures for areas of 50,000 or more are well defined and uniform throughout the state, the procedures used for areas of under 50,000 population vary. Based on a review of available literature and a survey of the forecasting procedures being used by state transportation agencies throughout the country, it was concluded that the procedures currently being used are valid. A generalized process for formulating a forecasting procedure for specific areas is recommended, along with several suggestions to be considered when the procedures are being developed. Additionally, the report provides a summary of forecasting techniques currently in use.

Planning for Active Traffic Management in Virginia

Planning for Active Traffic Management in Virginia

Author: Michael D. Fontaine

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Active Traffic Management (ATM) applications, such as variable speed limits, queue warning systems, and dynamic ramp metering, have been shown to offer mobility and safety benefits. Yet because they differ from conventional capacity investments in terms of cost, service life, and operating requirements, how to incorporate them into the planning process is not clear. To facilitate such incorporation, this study developed guidelines for considering ATM deployments. The guidelines consist of four sets. The first set identifies required infrastructure and operational conditions, such as sensor placement and queueing behavior, to apply a particular ATM technique at a given site. The second set presents sketch planning analysis methods to estimate the operational and safety benefits of applying the particular technique at the site; these may be refined with the third set concerning a more detailed (and accurate) simulation analysis. The fourth set concerns continued monitoring of an ATM deployment at a given site. Also provided is a framework for incorporating ATM concepts into the regional planning process. The framework is illustrated with a hypothetical case study of variable speed limits implemented on I-66 in Virginia. Although Virginia metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and the Virginia Department of Transportation already consider operational initiatives to some degree within the planning process, a key finding of this study is that there are several ways to strengthen the inclusion of operational initiatives. These include (1) using the guidelines developed in this study; (2) linking ATM initiatives to the MPO's Congestion Management Process; (3) facilitating the computation of operational-related performance measures such as total vehicle-hours per day; and (4) emphasizing, when applicable, the safety and environmental aspects of ATM. The rationale for such aspects is not to promote ATM as being more effective than other types of investments but rather to compare ATM objectively with these other types of investments. For example, Appendix A illustrates how to compute a benefit-cost ratio where costs include capital and operations expenditures for the ATM and where benefits include monetized values of vehicle-houts of delay plus crash costs. In this manner, the benefit-cost ratio for an ATM project may be compared to the benefit-cost ratio for other operational or capacity projects.


Book Synopsis Planning for Active Traffic Management in Virginia by : Michael D. Fontaine

Download or read book Planning for Active Traffic Management in Virginia written by Michael D. Fontaine and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Active Traffic Management (ATM) applications, such as variable speed limits, queue warning systems, and dynamic ramp metering, have been shown to offer mobility and safety benefits. Yet because they differ from conventional capacity investments in terms of cost, service life, and operating requirements, how to incorporate them into the planning process is not clear. To facilitate such incorporation, this study developed guidelines for considering ATM deployments. The guidelines consist of four sets. The first set identifies required infrastructure and operational conditions, such as sensor placement and queueing behavior, to apply a particular ATM technique at a given site. The second set presents sketch planning analysis methods to estimate the operational and safety benefits of applying the particular technique at the site; these may be refined with the third set concerning a more detailed (and accurate) simulation analysis. The fourth set concerns continued monitoring of an ATM deployment at a given site. Also provided is a framework for incorporating ATM concepts into the regional planning process. The framework is illustrated with a hypothetical case study of variable speed limits implemented on I-66 in Virginia. Although Virginia metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and the Virginia Department of Transportation already consider operational initiatives to some degree within the planning process, a key finding of this study is that there are several ways to strengthen the inclusion of operational initiatives. These include (1) using the guidelines developed in this study; (2) linking ATM initiatives to the MPO's Congestion Management Process; (3) facilitating the computation of operational-related performance measures such as total vehicle-hours per day; and (4) emphasizing, when applicable, the safety and environmental aspects of ATM. The rationale for such aspects is not to promote ATM as being more effective than other types of investments but rather to compare ATM objectively with these other types of investments. For example, Appendix A illustrates how to compute a benefit-cost ratio where costs include capital and operations expenditures for the ATM and where benefits include monetized values of vehicle-houts of delay plus crash costs. In this manner, the benefit-cost ratio for an ATM project may be compared to the benefit-cost ratio for other operational or capacity projects.

Guidelines for Developing and Maintaining Successful Partnerships for Multimodal Transportation Projects

Guidelines for Developing and Maintaining Successful Partnerships for Multimodal Transportation Projects

Author: Edd Hauser

Publisher: Transportation Research Board

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 40

ISBN-13: 9780309066150

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Book Synopsis Guidelines for Developing and Maintaining Successful Partnerships for Multimodal Transportation Projects by : Edd Hauser

Download or read book Guidelines for Developing and Maintaining Successful Partnerships for Multimodal Transportation Projects written by Edd Hauser and published by Transportation Research Board. This book was released on 1999 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

A Guide to Land Use and Public Transportation for Snohomish County, Washington

A Guide to Land Use and Public Transportation for Snohomish County, Washington

Author: Snohomish County Transportation Authority

Publisher:

Published: 1989

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis A Guide to Land Use and Public Transportation for Snohomish County, Washington by : Snohomish County Transportation Authority

Download or read book A Guide to Land Use and Public Transportation for Snohomish County, Washington written by Snohomish County Transportation Authority and published by . This book was released on 1989 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: