managing travel for planned special events - FHWA Operations ...

ITEM FUNCTIONS DEPLOYMENT APPLICATION BENEFITprogramming, will adjust toevent-generated traffic flowsand optimize traffic operationsduring event ingress and egress.With adaptive signal systems,the engineering of event timingplans is largely accommodatedby the system. However, adaptivesystems are considerablymore expensive to install thaneither Closed Loop or centrallycontrolled systems.ParkingInformationSystemsCommercialRadio orTelevisionStationsTrafficManagementTravelerInformationPermanent. • Outfits parking lots and garageswith detection and surveillancetechnology to determine theavailable number of spaces.• Collects information via detectionand surveillance technologythat is then processed by algorithmsin computer systems, andcan determine what space isavailable, using actual countsand predictive algorithms. Theparking status is then conveyedto signs at the entrance or to anadvanced traffic managementsystem to be placed on CMSs orbroadcast on HAR or commercialradio.• At arenas or stadiums, alertsmotorists not to exit from afreeway to a parking lot if it isfull, and directs them to availableparking locations.Permanent.Accessible fromany location withconnectivity.• Broadcasts traffic reports on aregular basis, typically duringpeak traffic periods or periods ofspecial events. The informationis received from aerial spottersor advanced traffic managementsystems.• Reduces the circlingpattern of vehicles ina downtown area byinforming motoristsof the unavailabilityof parking spaces.• If broadcasted in atimely manner,reaches the mosttravelers and providesthem with informationto changetheir route or modeto ensure the mostefficient network forprevailing conditions.managed by traffic signal systems, andone of the most beneficial signal strategiesfor planned special events is the useof modified timing plans to optimizetraffic operations during event ingressand egress. Several strategies, havingvarious levels of complexity, exist formanaging traffic signal systems on arterialhighways. The best strategies availablefor special event management in-4-30