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Evaluate the effectiveness of combining ATM strategies

• Jun 5, 2025

Research Description

ATM strategies focus on dynamically managing and influencing traffic flow and traveler behavior in real-time to improve traffic flow, safety, and efficiency. Examples of ATM strategies include: variable speed limits, dynamic lane use control, part-time shoulder use, adaptive ramp metering, queue warning systems, and adaptive traffic signal control. The effectiveness of combining ATM strategies need to be evaluated. Combining ATM strategies can present several challenges, including public acceptance, the need for additional infrastructure, and the potential for unforeseen consequences. Furthermore, legal and enforcement issues, as well as the need for seamless integration and coordination between various strategies, can hinder effective implementation. There have been many studies on the overall effects / benefits of individual ATM strategies. However, there is less information available on the effects / benefits of combining these to determine if the cost is worth the benefit.

This research will provide the following learning objectives: • Determine to what extent combining ATM strategies, such as speed limit reduction and revised lane configurations, yields a benefit to safety, traffic flow, and efficiency. • Determine to what extent combining ATM strategies, such as speed limit reduction and revised lane configurations, could introduce additional non-compliant behavior for drivers. • Determine which combination of ATM strategies makes more sense from a cost, infrastructure, safety, and travel time benefit. • Understanding of how legal authority can influence the implementation of various ATM strategies and whether combining ATM strategies could be included under similar legal actions. • What effect, if any, police presence and/or enforcement have on driver’s responses to a combination of ATM strategies. • What knowledge do TMC operators need to manage and adjust when multiple ATM strategies are deployed to ensure seamless integration and coordination. This research will provide the following learning objectives: • Determine to what extent combining ATM strategies, such as speed limit reduction and revised lane configurations, yields a benefit to safety, traffic flow, and efficiency. • Determine to what extent combining ATM strategies, such as speed limit reduction and revised lane configurations, could introduce additional non-compliant behavior for drivers. • Determine which combination of ATM strategies makes more sense from a cost, infrastructure, safety, and travel time benefit. • Understanding of how legal authority can influence the implementation of various ATM strategies and whether combining ATM strategies could be included under similar legal actions. • What effect, if any, police presence and/or enforcement have on driver’s responses to a combination of ATM strategies. • What knowledge do TMC operators need to manage and adjust when multiple ATM strategies are deployed to ensure seamless integration and coordination. • Collaboration between States for data sharing.

Additional Supporting Information

The benefit of this research is: • Additional tools in the toolbox for improving traffic flow, safety, and efficiency. • Understanding of the appropriate ATM strategies to combine to maximize benefit. • A thorough review of the expertise needed at the TMC to manage, operate, and adjust ATM strategies. Through the above, States can establish a consistent strategy for implementing ATM strategies.

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Submitted By

Jim Katsafanas

Michael Baker International

412-269-4635

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