A common element in the definitions is inclusion of a broad range of potential strategies and user groups. Managed lanes are typically differentiated and distinct from traditional freeway lanes because their operations can be actively managed and allowed to change over time in response to changing needs. As a result, travelers have options to traveling on a congested freeway.
#FREEWAY PRO 8 MANUAL#
Combination of operational and design actions that meet local and regional mobility objectivesĪlthough the definition of managed lanes varies from one locale and agency to the next, managed lanes in this manual can generally be defined as freeway lanes that are set aside and operated using a variety of fixed and/or real-time strategies responding to local goals and objectives that move traffic more efficiently in those lanes.Active management to optimize traffic flow and vehicular throughput.Highway facilities where operational strategies are proactively implemented.All definitions, though, contain these key elements: Examples are offered in references 1, 2 and 3. Various federal and state agencies have customized managed lane definitions to meet their particular needs. Insight into developing and operating managed lane subsystems through example case studies.A summary and description of various managed lane strategies and technologies, special issues in design and implementation, and complementary actions for improving effectiveness.A systematic approach to the development of a managed lane subsystem within a freeway management program, including the identification of operational needs and the application of appropriate strategies.illustrate the challenges and benefits from managed lane implementation.
Finally, case studies of different types of managed lanes as implemented in the U.S. The planning and implementation section suggests a strategic evaluation of managed lanes’ role in overall freeway system planning. Operational and design considerations encourage the reader to consider all facets of implementation concerns. Two conditions are presented for managed lane strategies: dedicated lanes to be managed, and, corridor management of all lanes. The remainder of the chapter identifies the primary elements of managed lanes, including their ability to meet freeway management needs. As managed lanes have different implications at the system, corridor, and project levels, this section concerning the context for managed lanes helps the reader address these implications at the appropriate scale and time of development. The reader will have an understanding of the appropriate conditions for which to consider managed lanes, the range of benefits that may be accrued to both the system and to users, and the many complementary strategies and design tradeoffs that can impact the performance of the managed lanes facility.įollowing this introductory section, background information is provided regarding the context for considering managed lanes and their relationship to other management and operational treatments for freeways.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an introduction to the topic of managed lanes and to serve as a resource which incorporates the latest practices, strategies and technologies. This holds especially true in situations where options for constructing new capacity are limited.
Oftentimes, the development of managed lanes has come from the realization that high demand on existing facilities necessitates the efficient management of those facilities. One key aspect that all managed lane facilities share in common is active demand and system management. The term itself varies from state to state, and managed lanes can mean different things to different stakeholders in the transportation industry. Managed lanes have been in existence for nearly 40 years and represent a family of operational strategies designed to address a wide array of transportation objectives. Managed Lane Chapter for the Freeway Management and Operations Handbook Freeway Management and Operations Handbook > Table of Contents Updated Chapter