Developing an Improved Traffic Operations Program

Every highway organization faces the challenges of making its highway system operate efficiently. In order to do this, sound procedures for detecting and identifying highway problems, and applying corrective measures are necessary. This paper calls attention to the traffic operations functions of highway organization, and its relationship to the task of making a highway system operate safely and productively. Three critical steps in creating a viable traffic operations program: administration, surveillance and identification of problems, and improvement programs are identified. Administration is the prerequisite for developing improved traffic operations. Surveillance is the second critical consideration. It is necessary to identify and locate high accident conditions. Development of meaningful improvements programs and reporting results of high traffic operations programs for use by other jurisdictions are essential.