Traffic management operational strategies and methods are fundamental elements agencies use to manage traffic and operate roadways and highways safely and efficiently. FHWA, working in partnership with state partners, has led research for several decades to develop or use new or improved traffic management operational strategies, methods, technologies, and tools. Opportunities exist to research and develop new or enhanced traffic management operational strategies and methods to consider, collect, compile, and use new data sources (e.g., crowdsourcing), computing capabilities (e.g., artificial intelligence, cloud computing), technologies (e.g., video analytics), communications methods, and decision support tools (e.g., predictive or automated use of operational strategies).

Improved methods are envisioned through the application of new technologies, computing capabilities, use of new sources of data, evaluation methods (e.g., analysis, modeling, and simulation (AMS), benefit/cost analysis, field tests, validation studies), and tools. The range and specificity of possible improvements to a strategy may vary depending on how it is actively managed and operated, how performance is quantified, the fidelity of the analysis, and the variety of conditions to be evaluated.

As an illustrative example, a current traffic management operational strategy is variable speed limits (VSL). Traditionally VSL has relied on the use of data generated from infrastructure-based sensors at fixed locations to identify traffic conditions and calculate an appropriate speed limit. An enhanced version of VSL could incorporate information compiled from electronic messages generated by vehicles and collected and compiled by a traffic management system. Traffic management systems with the capability to generate and disseminate electronic messages with the suggested or required speed limit could be received by a vehicle with the capability to receive, process, and use such a message. 

The initial objectives of the Innovative Traffic Management Methods Pooled Fund Study (PFS) are to assemble and partner with state agencies, the Federal Highway Administration, and other countries to explore a range of innovative traffic management methods to improve safety and mobility through proactive management of traffic on freeways in rural and urban environments:

-   Identify research needs and develop a plan or roadmap of future research.

-   Coordinate and collaborate with agencies conducting or considering related research. 

-   Develop, consider, select, initiate, and manage selected PFS projects.

-   Inform industry and potential partners on perspective research plan or roadmap, status of selected projects and PFS activities, and share research results.

The Innovative Traffic Management Methods PFS is intended to provide a forum to identify and address issues common among participating agencies exploring opportunities to improve how they are actively managing, operating, or expanding the use of traffic management operational strategies on freeways in rural and urban environments. The purpose of the PFS is to explore opportunities to improve the active management and operation of traffic management operational strategies along a freeway facility, freeway corridor, or freeway network in urban or rural areas. The range of traffic management operational strategies the PFS may consider could include and not be limited to: ramp control, interchange management, temporary use of shoulders, variable speed control, or lane control (e.g., restriction of vehicle types).

The PFS may initiate projects focusing on conducting research, developing, testing, evaluating, or sharing information on improved traffic management operational strategies and methods. This may involve assessing the feasibility of improvements to traffic management operational strategies. Where this may involve developing a concept of operations, establishing requirements, designing, developing, assessing, preparing for testing, evaluating and reporting on the potential benefits of possible improvements. These traffic management operational strategies may be progressively tested and evaluated with different types of rigorous testing environments (e.g., virtual reality, hardware/software in-the-loop, proof of concept, prototype, field, or pilots).

This study may also consider the information agencies may need to help assess the feasibility, benefits, and opportunities to deploy and actively manage the use of different traffic management operational strategies along a freeways facility, freeway corridor, or freeway network in urban or rural environments. The members of this PFS will routinely review, revise, and adjust the scope of the issues which may be considered and pursued each year. Within the broad scope of this study, the following are offered as examples of issues or projects members may consider:

-   Developing, testing, and evaluating new or enhanced traffic management concepts, operational strategies, or methods.

-   Developing, testing, and evaluating the collection, processing, receiving (e.g., from vehicle manufacturers), and using new sources of data in support of new or enhanced traffic management concepts, operational strategies, or methods.

-   Developing resources to raise the awareness of the benefits of improving the capabilities or actively managing and operating traffic management operational strategies.

The projects and activities the Innovative Traffic Management Methods PFS may consider will not conflict with any planned or anticipated future projects the Managed Lanes PFS, Traffic Management Center (TMC) PFS, or vehicle to everything (V2X) PFS may consider pursuing.

FHWA's initial commitment for 2025 and 2026 is $300,000 per year. A minimum annual membership contribution of $25,000 is suggested. Larger agencies with access to additional resources are encouraged to consider contributing additional funding each year. The Innovative Traffic Management Methods Pooled Fund Study (PFS) anticipates partnering with other countries (e.g., Europe) on specific projects or inviting them to join as members of the study.  

FHWA will also provide the staff and support resources to facilitate the Innovative Traffic Management Methods PFS meetings, manage projects, and related tasks or activities. Quarterly virtual meetings of PFS members are anticipated. An in-person meeting may occur annually to discuss, develop, and select new projects. The PFS will cover the travel costs for one person from each PFS member to attend the in-person meeting. PFS members have the option of sending additional staff to in-person meetings. If an additional $1,500 is provided for a particular year, the PFS would cover the travel costs for a second person to attend in-person meetings. 

As FHWA has provided funding to support initiating the Innovative Traffic Management Methods PFS, it is being posted as an active study, allowing for the approval of 100% SP&R Waiver Memo. Agencies interested in joining and participating in this PFS can be added at any time. To post agency commitments of future funding once the PFS is active, please contact jon.obenberger@dot.gov.

For additional information or if you have any questions, please contact Jon Obenberger, FHWA Office of Safety and Operations Research and Development at jon.obenberger@dot.gov.