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

Figure 6-33Background Traffic DiversionFigure 6-34Dynamic Route Guidance Sign (Photo courtesyof the Minnesota DOT.)For large-scale planned special events,emergency access routes remain closed to allnon-emergency vehicles. Traffic controlofficers staff each intersection along theroute and permit side street traffic to crossthe route when conditions permit. Forsmaller-scale special events, the emergencyaccess route denotes a local flow route foremergency vehicles that may be utilized bygeneral traffic under non-emergency conditions.Under an emergency scenario, lawenforcement officers may escort emergencyvehicles, using a rolling roadblock, via thedesignated access route. Emergency accessroutes should not traverse or intersect eventpatron traffic flow routes to/from the eventvenue and associated parking areas.stage a planned special event allows unimpededemergency vehicle access throughoutthe entire local street network impacted bythe event. This particularly applies to streetuse event routes. Typical specifications foran emergency access lane involve delineatinga 20 foot wide, paved curb lane withinthe existing roadbed (e.g., shoulder plustraveled-way).Background TrafficAccommodationThe composition of background traffic, ornon-attendee motorists, traversing streetsand highways in the vicinity of a plannedspecial event venue include the followingcategories:• Regional through traffico Includes truckers and intra- or interstate travelers represent regionalthrough traffic.• Local through traffico Includes commuters and area residents,some of whom may simplycruise local streets adjacent to theevent.• Neighborhood residents and businesseso Includes residents living in the immediatevicinity of the event venuethat may incur impacts attributed tohigh traffic demand and temporarytraffic control strategies.o Includes nearby businesses requiringaccommodation for both employeesand patrons.Table 6-26 presents a range of passive (e.g.,traveler information dissemination only) andaggressive (e.g., physical traffic control) tacticsfor accommodating background trafficduring a planned special event.6EVENT PROFILE POST-EVENT ACTIVITIES DAY-OF-EVENT ACTIVITIES ADVANCE PLANNINGOVERVIEWThe provision of emergency access lanesalong streets slated for closure in order to6-43