Managing Freeway Operations During Weather Events

This project summary report summarizes the research performed in Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Project 0-5278. The goal of this research was to help TxDOT develop a structured, systematic approach for managing traffic during weather events. The focus was on common weather events-such as fog, high winds, heavy rains, and snow and ice storms-that impact traffic operations day to day. Researchers developed concepts of operations to guide traffic management center (TMC) operators in responding to different types of weather-related events, including limited visibility conditions, ponding and flash flooding, high winds, severe thunderstorms, tornados, and winter storms. They developed a catalog of advisory, control, and treatment strategies (ACTS) that operators could use to manage traffic operations during various weather events. In addition, researchers proposed messages that TxDOT TMC operators could use on dynamic message signs (DMSs) for different types of weather events. Finally, an assessment framework was developed to enable TxDOT to integrate weather information from the National Weather Service and other private weather providers into its TMC operations software. In order to improve safety and maximize efficiency, TxDOT should develop traffic management strategies that address weather events on a regional basis. This process involves improving the level of communications and cooperation not only between agencies in a region, but also internally between sections within a district. The research also found that significant advances have been made recently in weather monitoring technologies that will allow TxDOT to expand its monitoring capabilities of the transportation network.