TSMO
Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) is a set of strategies to maximize the efficiency and safety of existing transportation systems. They are typically deployed as a set of flexible strategies that can be used throughout a corridor.
Key Benefits
- Safety
- Reliability
- Efficiency
Traffic Incident Management
TSMO is often used for Traffic Incident Management, which is a planned and coordinated effort to detect, respond to, and clear incidents to restore traffic flow as quickly and safely as possible. Traffic Incident Management is a valuable TSMO strategy for reducing congestion and improving safety, especially in urban areas where space is at a premium.
For every minute that a lane is blocked during peak travel times, there are four minutes of delay. A crash blocking a lane for an hour during peak times can cause a four-hour delay.
Chances of a secondary crash increase by nearly 3% for each minute the initial crash is not cleared. Effective Traffic Incident Management reduces secondary crashes.
Programs like Hoosier Helpers help keep Indiana interstates safe, provide traffic control and more. Since 1991, Hoosier Helpers have come to the aid of more than 400,000 motorists, driven more than 20 million miles and responded to more than 1.2 million incidents.
TSMO Strategies Under Consideration
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Dynamic shoulder lanes
Dynamic Shoulder Lanes
Event management strategies
Event management strategies
Improved signage
Improved signage
Interchange improvements
Interchange improvements
Ramp metering
Ramp metering
Variable speed limits
Variable speed limits
Dynamic lane control
Dynamic lane control
Queue warning
Queue warning
The 80/94 FlexRoad corridor is a developed area with limited right-of-way available for improvements without major impacts to businesses and homes in the area. These constraints are one of the reasons why innovative solutions are being identified.
Benefits include:
- Smoother and more reliable traffic flow
- Improved safety
- Less wasted fuel and cleaner air
- More efficient use of resources (funding and facilities)
TSMO strategies are successfully in use across the region, including the Illinois Tollway, around Chicago, on the Indiana Toll Road and along US 23 in Michigan.