Talking TSMO

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

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

Dynamic shoulder lanes use the shoulder for additional capacity during peak congestion or in response to incidents.

Event management strategies

Event management strategies reduce congestion by improving operational and maintenance practices – like incentivizing tow companies to remove disabled vehicles quickly and safely or increasing Hoosier Helper staff.

Improved signage

Improved signage increases driver knowledge and awareness of current traffic conditions, helping to reduce crashes and inform motorists.

Interchange improvements

Interchange improvements to the Broadway/I-65 interchange would reduce backups and increase capacity for drivers exiting to Broadway or I-65 SB.

Interchange improvements

Interchange improvements to the Broadway/I-65 interchange would reduce backups and increase capacity for drivers exiting to Broadway or I-65 SB.

Ramp metering

Ramp metering controls the frequency of vehicles entering the roadway to match road capacity, leading to improved merging and reduced crash rates.

Variable speed limits

Variable speed limits adjust based on real-time traffic roadway incidents, work zones and weather conditions, helping to reduce congestion.

Dynamic lane control

Dynamic lane control closes or opens individual traffic lanes to provide advance warning of closures or incidents using signals above each lane.

Queue warning

Queue warning uses real-time displays of messages alerting drivers that slowdowns are ahead, reducing the potential for rear-end crashes or secondary incidents.

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:

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.

TSMO

Key Benefits

Traffic Incident Management

TSMO Strategies Under Consideration

Dynamic shoulder lanes