Arterial TSM&O Strategy Selections and Implementations to Improve Safety and Mobility

Abstract: Arterial roadways play a vital role in regional mobility and land access, significantly contributing to Florida's economy and quality of life. With a network spanning 4,894 miles—around 40% of the State Highway System (SHS)—these roads support the transportation needs of 21 million residents and over 131 million annual visitors. As Florida continues to experience rapid growth, integrated mobility solutions are increasingly critical. To address these demands, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is investing billions in projects that focus on operational enhancements, advanced technologies, and premium transit to improve safety and mobility.

Transportation System Management and Operations (TSM&O) has emerged as a key strategy to optimize the performance of existing multimodal infrastructure. By focusing on capacity preservation, enhancing safety, mobility, and reliability, TSM&O provides a proactive solution to challenges like growing travel demand, congestion, and environmental impacts—reducing the need for costly infrastructure expansions. This approach fosters collaboration among various agencies and stakeholders, leading to more efficient transportation outcomes.

Sponsored by FDOT, this study investigates the selection and implementation of arterial TSM&O strategies aimed at improving safety and mobility on arterial roadways. The research offers guidance to transportation professionals on selecting appropriate strategies based on specific roadway contexts and functional classifications. The development of these guidance materials was informed by data from a national overview of TSM&O strategies and surveys conducted within FDOT districts and local transportation agencies.

Researchers developed comprehensive guidelines and supporting materials based on the functional and contextual classifications of arterial corridors, identifying key issues and their potential countermeasures. The guidelines and supporting materials address the following problems commonly found on arterials: (1) signal timing or traffic signal coordination issues, (2) detector malfunctions, (3) system communication failures, (4) traffic crashes causing congestion, (5) special events leading to congestion, (6) work zone-related disruptions, (7) safety hazards, (8) speeding, (9) malfunctioning pedestrian push buttons, (10) traffic equipment failures, and (11) emergency management issues.

These guidelines and supporting materials equip practitioners with tools to monitor traffic signal performance, detect issues, and implement effective arterial TSM&O strategies. The guidance materials also emphasize the importance of reporting on safety and mobility performance goals, fostering partnerships and coordination, and ensuring adequate staffing and maintenance.
The guidance materials developed from this FDOT project provides a structured process for systematically selecting and implementing TSM&O strategies, addressing common traffic-related challenges, and prioritizing potential corridor strategies. The study also highlights other critical factors for successful implementation, including timely issue resolution, resource availability, and effective partnerships. A well-planned maintenance schedule is essential for the effective management and operation of arterial corridors.

Overall, this research underscores the importance of integrated mobility solutions in enhancing the performance and safety of arterial roadways in Florida and beyond.