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

For this reason, it is important that involvedstakeholders understand that the traffic managementplan provides guidance but is notan ironclad law that must be followed regardlessof what takes place on the day-ofevent.As part of the traffic management plan, variousscenarios can be addressed from bestcase to worst case, together with likelyvariations. Having different scenarios andresponse plans specified in the traffic managementplan will help managers morequickly respond to changes. Again, notevery variation can be noted, but experiencedstaff can modify what the traffic managementplan calls for.When done well, managing traffic is doneon a proactive basis, anticipating what willhappen next and reacting before problemscascade. Like an orchestra conductor, thetraffic managers are calling on differentelements to play as the event proceeds. Atraffic queue in one area will require adjustmentsto signal timing on primary andalternate routes. Traffic incidents not onlyrequire response to the site of the incidentbut the activation of appropriate messageson roadside traveler information devices.As a general rule, drivers tend to be moreunderstanding about a congestion delay ifthey are informed of what is taking placeand are assured steps are being taken tomitigate the problem.To properly manage traffic, the managersneed timely and accurate information. Staffin the field must understand the importanceof the information they provide, and staff atthe command center must help the managersunderstand the information coming in, suchas pointing out what is most important. Toomuch information without some interpretationis almost as worthless as too little information.Other staff should be on hand to assist withother activities taking place in the commandcenter. This includes handling VIPs, disseminatinginformation to the media, andaddressing routine items such as equipmentproblems.Evaluation ActivitiesAlthough many hours have been spent creatingthe traffic management plan, the planshould remain flexible with the ability tomodify and enhance it with necessarychanges based on real-time traffic conditions.Updates can continue through thecourse of the planned special event, accountingfor new situations and unexpectedevents. Evaluation of the plan is an ongoingactivity during the event, and participantsshould contribute their insights as they witnessthe event unfolding. The traffic managementteam must be open to modificationsof what had been agreed to during the eventoperations planning and implementation activitiesphases.Table 9-3 indicates key traffic managementplan evaluation activities on the day-ofevent.There are several different ways to accomplishthis evaluation and revision process:• Some modifications will be minor in natureand will not require significant discussion.For example, moving a trafficpost may be a simple change that improvesthe flow of traffic. The IncidentCommander may have authority to makesuch a change.9-6