Interoperability Issues on Managed Lanes Facilities (0-4160-18)

Interoperability is the ability of a system to use the parts, infonnation, or equipment of another system. In the case of a managed lane, the facility must act in concert with the adjacent infrastructure to accomplish mobility goals. Using a literature review and an extensive survey of the profession, researchers compiled the critical interoperability concerns for a managed lanes facility so that planners, designers, and operators can focus on these interactions and create a successful facility. A key concept of the research findings is that interoperability actually exists at multiple levels; agency, facility, and equipment. Each of the seven critical areas (planning, geometric design, traffic control devices, operations, incident management, surveillance and monitoring, and communications) have interoperability concerns at one or more of these levels. This report details the results of the literature review, the online survey of the profession, and culminates with recommended text for inclusion in the managed lanes manual for the Texas Department of Transportation.