Managed freeways refer to roadways that incorporate intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and active traffic management (ATM) technologies, enabling transportation managers to monitor, communicate, and manage both the traffic and the infrastructure in and around the freeway. Managed freeways aim to make optimal use of roadway infrastructure, enhance safety and efficiency, and address the needs of roadway users, travelers, and stakeholders. Some ATM/ITS treatments incorporated in a managed freeway are coordinated adaptive ramp meters, dynamic lane assignment, queue warning, variable speed limits, hard shoulder running, and signal system timing.
Managed Freeway concepts have gained popularity internationally with successful implementations in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) plans to implement Managed Freeway concepts for the first time on two sections of the I-40 in the Raleigh-Durham area. These managed freeway initiatives will pave the way for potential opportunities to measure benefits and provide guidance for future implementation of managed freeways elsewhere in the state.
This research effort will encompass the development of a before and after analysis framework, mobility and safety performance measures identification, benefit and cost analysis, and guidance documents to enable NCDOT to effectively identify and select optimal locations and technologies for managed freeways deployment.
