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

stakeholders comprising the traffic managementteam without sacrificing agencyauthority, responsibility, or accountability.Figure 9-2 displays an example of a UnifiedCommand organization for managing travelfor planned special events. The UnifiedCommand hierarchy includes the IncidentCommander serving to coordinate and managethe activities performed by stakeholdersclassified under the following organizationalelements: branches, groups, and units. Abranch agency manages a specific operationalfunction. For example, a law enforcementagency is responsible for trafficcontrol and pedestrian accommodation.Group agencies manage and execute specificfunctional activities. Units execute specificfunctional activities. For instance, a privatetowing company is responsible for removingillegally parked or disabled vehicles.Per Unified Command protocol, if an unexpectedevent happens during the plannedspecial event, a transfer of command mayoccur. The decision to effect a transfer ofcommand depends on the qualifications andexperience of all on-site branch agency supervisorsrelative to that of the acting IncidentCommander. For example, if a severeweather event took place during a plannedspecial event, an emergency managementagency official may assume the role of IncidentCommander.An advantage of using the ICS during aplanned special event is that it clarifies howdecisions are made if the traffic managementplan requires adjustment. Unexpectedevents may necessitate adjusting the plan tomeet changing circumstances. In this instance,there may not be the luxury of meetingwith all stakeholders to develop a consensuson how to modify the plan. The IncidentCommander should have the authorityto make those adjustments that areneeded.Incident Commander9OVERVIEWDAY-OF-EVENT ACTIVITIES ADVANCE PLANNINGBranchesPublicSafetyLocalPoliceStatePoliceDepartment ofTransportationInformation OfficerTransitAgencyEventOrganizerEmergencyManagementAgencyPOST-EVENT ACTIVITIESGroupsUnitsPrivateTowingCompanyTransportationManagementCenterFreewayServicePatrolTrafficControlVendorTransportationConsultant(traffic/parking)VolunteerCrewEVENT PROFILEFigure 9-2Unified Command Organization for Planned Special Events9-3