UNIT-II
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT:
Traffic management is the organisation, arrangement, guidance and control of both stationary
and moving traffic, including pedestrians, bicyclists and all types of vehicles. Its aim is to
provide for the safe, orderly and efficient movement of persons and goods, and to protect and,
where possible, enhance the quality of the local environment on and adjacent to traffic facilities.
This book is an introduction to traffic management, written in laypersons' language, and
assuming no background knowledge of the subject. Various basic traffic characteristics relating
to road users, vehicles and roads, and traffic regulation and control, are discussed, including
some traffic volume and traffic flow considerations relevant to traffic management. For effective
traffic management, it is essential that the practitioner works from factual information. Road
inventory and statistical methods, and the more common types of traffic studies, including traffic
volume and composition, origin and destination, speed, travel time and delay, accidents and
parking are described. "Before and after" studies, and estimation of future traffic are also
covered. As a basis for logically applying traffic management techniques it is necessary to
develop a classification or hierarchy of all roads to ensure that the primary purpose of each of
them is defined, agreed and understood. A functional classification of roads suitable for traffic
management purposes, and a process for developing such a system is described. Several chapters
go on to discuss various aspects of traffic management, including signing and delineation,
pedestrian facilities, bicycle facilities, intersections, traffic signals, road capacity, parking,
roadside safety and roadway lighting. The objectives of local area traffic management schemes,
and a systematic process for developing them are described, and the various techniques that may
be used and the principles of design of traffic management devices are summarised. The
application of traffic management techniques to rural and urban arterial roads respectively is
discussed, emphasising the desirability of treating routes or networks as a whole rather than
simply focussing on isolated problem spots. Past and likely future trends in road travel, and
various techniques for travel demand management are described. While these sorts of techniques
are well known, and their use should be encouraged, they are unlikely to have much effect on
travel in Australia at least for the foreseeable future. The important area of traffic enforcement
and the associated aspects of education and encouragement are considered. Unless traffic
management is logically applied and consistently enforced, it will not be effective. Enforcement
must be considered an integral part of traffic management.
Traffic management encompasses various strategies and measures aimed at efficiently managing
the flow of traffic on roadways to ensure safety, reduce congestion, and improve mobility. Here
are some key aspects of traffic management:
1. Traffic Engineering: Traffic engineering involves the design and layout of roads, intersections,
and traffic control devices to optimize traffic flow and safety. This includes the design of
roadways, traffic signals, signs, markings, and other infrastructure elements.
2. Traffic Control Devices: Traffic control devices such as signs, signals, and markings are used to
regulate and guide traffic behavior. Examples include stop signs, traffic lights, lane markings,
pedestrian crossings, and speed limit signs.
3. Traffic Signal Timing: Optimizing traffic signal timing can help improve traffic flow and
reduce delays at intersections. Traffic engineers analyze traffic patterns and adjust signal timing
to minimize wait times and maximize efficiency.
4. Traffic Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in enforcing traffic laws
and regulations to ensure compliance and deter unsafe driving behaviors. This includes enforcing
speed limits, cracking down on drunk driving, and addressing other traffic violations.
5. Public Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation can help reduce congestion
and emissions by providing alternative travel options for commuters. Strategies include
improving public transit infrastructure, expanding services, and implementing policies to
promote transit ridership.
6. Traffic Calming: Traffic calming measures are used to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance
safety in residential neighborhoods, school zones, and other areas with high pedestrian activity.
Examples include speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and traffic circles.
7. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): ITS technologies leverage advanced data collection,
communication, and information technologies to improve traffic management and operations.
Examples include traffic monitoring systems, dynamic message signs, and adaptive traffic signal
control.
8. Congestion Management: Implementing strategies to manage and mitigate traffic congestion is
essential for maintaining efficient mobility in urban areas. This may involve congestion pricing,
carpooling incentives, telecommuting options, and flexible work schedules.
9. Transportation Demand Management (TDM): TDM strategies focus on reducing overall
travel demand and promoting more sustainable transportation choices. Examples include
promoting biking and walking, ridesharing programs, and telecommuting initiatives.
10. Traffic Incident Management: Efficiently managing traffic incidents such as accidents,
breakdowns, and construction zones is critical for minimizing disruptions and maintaining traffic
flow. This involves quick response times, effective communication, and coordination among
emergency responders and transportation agencies.
Overall, effective traffic management requires a combination of engineering, enforcement,
education, and technology solutions tailored to the specific needs and challenges of each
community or roadway network. Collaboration among transportation agencies, law enforcement,
businesses, and the public is essential for successful traffic management initiatives.
Need for Traffic Management:
The need for traffic management arises from various challenges and issues associated with urban
and rural transportation systems. Here are some key reasons why traffic management is essential:
1. Congestion Reduction: Traffic congestion leads to delays, frustration, increased fuel
consumption, and environmental pollution. Traffic management strategies can help alleviate
congestion by optimizing traffic flow, improving intersection operations, and promoting
alternative transportation modes.
2. Safety Improvement: Traffic accidents and fatalities pose significant public health and safety
concerns. Effective traffic management measures, such as traffic signals, signage, and road
design improvements, can enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists by reducing the
risk of collisions and injuries.
3. Mobility Enhancement: Efficient traffic management improves mobility by reducing travel
times, enhancing accessibility, and facilitating the movement of people and goods. By
minimizing delays and congestion, traffic management measures support economic productivity
and quality of life for residents and businesses.
4. Environmental Protection: Vehicle emissions from traffic congestion contribute to air
pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. Traffic management strategies that
promote sustainable transportation options, such as public transit, biking, and walking, can help
reduce environmental impacts and improve air quality.
5. Resource Efficiency: Effective traffic management optimizes the use of transportation
infrastructure and resources by maximizing throughput and minimizing waste. This includes
efficient allocation of road space, optimized signal timing, and coordinated transportation
planning to meet current and future demands.
6. Emergency Response: During emergencies, such as natural disasters or medical emergencies,
efficient traffic management is critical for facilitating emergency response operations and
ensuring timely access for emergency vehicles. Traffic control measures can help prioritize
emergency access routes and maintain essential services.
7. Public Health: Traffic management can have significant impacts on public health, including
reducing stress levels, promoting physical activity through active transportation options, and
mitigating the health risks associated with air pollution and traffic-related accidents.
8. Quality of Life: Well-designed and effectively managed transportation systems contribute to the
overall quality of life in communities by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation
options. Traffic management measures that prioritize pedestrian safety, support vibrant public
spaces, and reduce noise pollution can enhance the livability of urban areas.
Overall, traffic management plays a crucial role in addressing the complex challenges and
demands of modern transportation systems. By implementing proactive and holistic approaches
to traffic management, communities can improve safety, mobility, environmental sustainability,
and overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
Basic Traffic Management Activities:
Basic traffic management activities involve a range of tasks and measures aimed at regulating
traffic flow, ensuring safety, and optimizing the use of road infrastructure. These activities are
typically carried out by transportation authorities, traffic engineers, and law enforcement
agencies. Here are some basic traffic management activities:
1. Traffic Monitoring: Regular monitoring of traffic conditions using various tools such as traffic
cameras, sensors, and data collection devices. This helps authorities understand traffic patterns,
identify congestion points, and plan appropriate interventions.
2. Traffic Control Devices: Installation and maintenance of traffic control devices such as traffic
signals, stop signs, yield signs, and regulatory signs. These devices help regulate the movement
of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections, crosswalks, and other critical points on the road.
3. Traffic Signal Timing: Adjusting the timing of traffic signals to optimize traffic flow and
minimize congestion. This may involve coordinating signals along arterial roads or adjusting
signal timing based on real-time traffic conditions.
4. Lane Management: Implementing strategies to manage lanes effectively, including lane
markings, lane assignments, and lane closures. This helps improve traffic flow and safety,
especially during peak travel times or in construction zones.
5. Speed Management: Implementing speed limits and enforcing speed regulations to improve
safety for all road users. This may involve using speed limit signs, speed bumps, speed cameras,
and other measures to encourage compliance with speed limits.
6. Incident Management: Responding to traffic incidents such as accidents, breakdowns, or
hazardous road conditions in a timely and effective manner. This includes clearing debris,
providing assistance to motorists, and implementing temporary traffic control measures to
minimize disruptions.
7. Public Information and Education: Providing information to the public about traffic
conditions, road closures, detours, and other relevant updates. Public education campaigns can
also promote safe driving practices and encourage compliance with traffic regulations.
8. Transportation Planning: Long-term planning to address future traffic needs, including
infrastructure improvements, public transportation options, and land use policies. This helps
ensure that transportation systems can accommodate population growth and changing travel
patterns.
9. Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: Implementing measures to improve safety for pedestrians and
cyclists, such as crosswalks, pedestrian signals, bike lanes, and traffic calming measures.
10. Emergency Management: Developing plans and procedures to manage traffic during
emergencies or natural disasters. This includes coordinating with emergency services, providing
evacuation routes, and maintaining communication with the public.
These basic traffic management activities play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficiency,
and sustainability of transportation systems in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Traffic Management Strategies and their Co-ordination:
Traffic management strategies encompass a variety of measures and interventions aimed at
improving traffic flow, safety, and efficiency on roadways. Coordinating these strategies
effectively requires careful planning, collaboration among various stakeholders, and the use of
technology and data-driven approaches. Here are some common traffic management strategies
and how they can be coordinated:
1. Traffic Signal Optimization: Coordinating traffic signals along arterial roads to minimize stops
and delays for vehicles. This involves adjusting signal timing, coordinating signal phasing, and
implementing adaptive signal control systems that respond to real-time traffic conditions.
2. Transit Priority: Giving priority to public transit vehicles at intersections or along corridors to
improve service reliability and encourage the use of public transportation. This may involve
signal priority for buses, dedicated bus lanes, and queue jump lanes.
3. Dynamic Message Signs: Using electronic message signs to provide real-time information to
motorists about traffic conditions, incidents, and alternate routes. Coordinating the messaging on
these signs with traffic management centers helps optimize the flow of traffic and provide timely
information to drivers.
4. Variable Speed Limits: Implementing variable speed limits on highways and freeways to adjust
speed limits based on traffic conditions, weather, and other factors. Coordinating these speed
limits with traffic management centers and drivers through signage and electronic displays can
help reduce congestion and improve safety.
5. Traffic Incident Management: Establishing protocols and procedures for responding to traffic
incidents, such as accidents, breakdowns, or hazardous materials spills. Coordinating the
response efforts of law enforcement, emergency services, tow trucks, and transportation agencies
helps minimize disruptions and clear incidents quickly.
6. Active Traffic Management: Deploying advanced technologies such as ramp metering,
reversible lanes, and dynamic lane assignment to actively manage traffic flow and capacity on
highways and expressways. Coordinating these systems with traffic monitoring and control
centers ensures optimal operation and response to changing traffic conditions.
7. Integrated Transportation Planning: Coordinating land use planning, transportation
infrastructure investments, and transit-oriented development to create more sustainable and
efficient transportation systems. This involves collaboration among government agencies,
transportation planners, developers, and community stakeholders.
8. Multimodal Transportation: Promoting a variety of transportation options, including walking,
cycling, public transit, and ridesharing, to reduce dependence on single-occupancy vehicles and
alleviate congestion. Coordinating multimodal transportation networks and facilities improves
accessibility and connectivity for all users.
9. Data Sharing and Analysis: Sharing traffic data among transportation agencies, public safety
agencies, and private sector partners to facilitate informed decision-making and performance
monitoring. Coordinating data collection, analysis, and dissemination helps identify trends,
evaluate the effectiveness of strategies, and optimize traffic management efforts.
10. Public Engagement and Education: Engaging with the public through outreach campaigns,
community meetings, and online platforms to raise awareness about traffic management
strategies, solicit feedback, and encourage participation in transportation planning and decision-
making processes.
By coordinating these traffic management strategies effectively, transportation agencies can
improve the safety, reliability, and sustainability of transportation systems while enhancing the
overall mobility experience for travelers.
Access Management:
Access management is a key component of transportation planning and roadway design aimed at
regulating the flow of traffic by controlling the number, type, and location of access points to
roadways. It involves managing the interaction between vehicles entering and exiting roadways
and adjacent properties to improve safety, efficiency, and mobility. Here are some aspects of
access management:
1. Access Points: Determining the location, spacing, and design of access points such as driveways,
intersections, and median crossovers along roadways. Access points should be strategically
placed to minimize conflicts and maintain traffic flow.
2. Functional Classification: Classifying roadways based on their intended function, such as
arterial roads, collector roads, and local streets, and applying appropriate access management
principles to each classification. For example, arterial roads typically have fewer access points
and higher design speeds to facilitate the efficient movement of through traffic.
3. Spacing and Spacing Criteria: Establishing spacing criteria for access points based on factors
such as roadway design speed, traffic volume, land use, and safety considerations. Access points
should be spaced sufficiently apart to prevent congestion, reduce conflicts, and maintain
acceptable levels of service.
4. Driveway Design: Designing driveways to minimize disruptions to traffic flow and ensure safe
and efficient ingress and egress for vehicles. This may include proper alignment, width, grading,
and visibility improvements to enhance safety and accommodate turning movements.
5. Median Design: Incorporating raised medians, barriers, or landscaping features to control left-
turn movements and reduce the number of conflict points along divided roadways. Medians can
help improve safety by separating opposing traffic streams and limiting access to designated
locations.
6. Intersection Design: Designing intersections to facilitate safe and efficient traffic movements,
including appropriate turning lanes, signalization, and pedestrian accommodations. Access
management principles should be applied to minimize conflicts and improve intersection
capacity and safety.
7. Traffic Calming: Implementing traffic calming measures such as speed humps, chicanes, and
roundabouts to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety in areas with high pedestrian activity or
sensitive land uses. These measures can help manage access while improving the overall quality
of the roadway environment.
8. Land Use Planning: Integrating access management principles into land use planning and
development regulations to ensure that new developments are compatible with the surrounding
transportation network and minimize potential impacts on traffic flow and safety.
9. Corridor Management: Coordinating access management efforts along entire roadway
corridors to achieve consistent standards and optimize the performance of the transportation
network. This may involve collaboration among multiple jurisdictions and stakeholders to
address common issues and goals.
10. Public Engagement and Education: Engaging with property owners, developers, businesses,
and the community to raise awareness about the importance of access management, solicit input
on access-related issues, and foster support for access management initiatives.
Overall, effective access management helps improve the safety, efficiency, and functionality of
roadways by carefully managing the interaction between traffic and land use activities. It
requires collaboration among transportation agencies, land use planners, developers, and the
public to achieve successful outcomes.
Congestion Management:
Congestion management refers to strategies and measures implemented to alleviate or mitigate
traffic congestion on roadways and transportation networks. Traffic congestion occurs when the
volume of vehicles exceeds the capacity of the road infrastructure, resulting in reduced speeds,
increased travel times, and diminished overall transportation efficiency. Here are some common
congestion management strategies:
1. Traffic Signal Optimization: Adjusting signal timing at intersections to improve traffic flow
and reduce delays. This may involve coordinating signal timings along corridors, implementing
adaptive signal control systems, and optimizing signal phasing to minimize stops and maximize
green time for mainline traffic.
2. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Deploying advanced technologies such as traffic
cameras, sensors, and dynamic message signs to monitor traffic conditions in real-time, provide
travel information to motorists, and dynamically manage traffic flow. ITS applications may
include traffic monitoring, incident detection, dynamic lane control, and variable speed limits.
3. Public Transportation: Promoting the use of public transit as an alternative to driving alone.
This may involve expanding transit services, improving transit infrastructure, implementing bus
rapid transit (BRT) systems, and providing incentives such as discounted fares or employer-
sponsored transit programs to encourage transit ridership.
4. Active Traffic Management (ATM): Using dynamic lane control, variable speed limits, and
ramp metering to actively manage traffic flow and capacity on highways and freeways. ATM
strategies allow transportation agencies to optimize lane usage, mitigate congestion, and respond
to changing traffic conditions in real-time.
5. Transportation Demand Management (TDM): Encouraging alternative modes of
transportation such as walking, cycling, carpooling, and telecommuting to reduce the demand for
single-occupancy vehicle trips. TDM measures may include employer-based commuter
programs, ridesharing incentives, flexible work schedules, and telework options.
6. Roadway Capacity Expansion: Increasing the capacity of roadways through roadway
widening, adding lanes, or constructing new highways or expressways. While capacity expansion
projects can help alleviate congestion in the short term, they may be costly and have limited
effectiveness in the long term due to induced demand.
7. Congestion Pricing: Implementing tolls or fees for driving on congested roadways or entering
congested areas during peak travel times. Congestion pricing aims to manage demand for road
space, reduce traffic congestion, and generate revenue for transportation investments. Examples
include high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes and cordon pricing zones.
8. Land Use Planning: Integrating land use planning with transportation planning to promote more
compact, mixed-use development patterns that reduce the need for long-distance travel and
support alternative transportation modes. Transit-oriented development, pedestrian-friendly
design, and mixed-use zoning can help reduce reliance on automobiles and alleviate congestion.
9. Goods Movement Management: Implementing strategies to manage freight movement and
distribution efficiently, such as off-peak delivery incentives, dedicated freight lanes, and truck
route optimization. Efficient goods movement can help reduce congestion on roadways and
improve the overall flow of traffic.
10. Public Information and Education: Providing information to the public about congestion
management strategies, traffic conditions, and alternative transportation options through outreach
campaigns, travel advisories, and real-time traffic updates. Educating motorists about the causes
and impacts of congestion can help promote behavior change and support congestion reduction
efforts.
Effective congestion management requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that
integrates various strategies and considers the unique characteristics of each transportation
network. Coordinated planning, investment, and collaboration among transportation agencies,
local governments, businesses, and the community are essential to successfully address
congestion and improve the overall efficiency and reliability of transportation systems.
Traffic calming :
refers to a set of measures and techniques implemented to reduce vehicle speeds, improve safety,
and create more livable streets in residential areas, commercial districts, and other urban
environments. These measures are designed to create a safer and more comfortable environment
for pedestrians, cyclists, and residents, while also encouraging slower and more attentive driving
behavior. Here are some common traffic calming measures:
1. Speed Humps and Speed Tables: Raised sections of pavement designed to slow vehicles down
by creating a physical obstacle. Speed humps are typically shorter and wider, while speed tables
are longer and flatter, often placed at intersections or mid-block crossings.
2. Chicanes: Alternating curb extensions or islands placed along the roadway to narrow the travel
lanes and create a zigzag pattern. Chicanes encourage drivers to slow down and navigate around
the obstacles, reducing speeds and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
3. Traffic Circles and Roundabouts: Circular intersections with a central island where traffic
circulates in a counterclockwise direction. Roundabouts help reduce speeds, improve traffic
flow, and minimize the severity of crashes compared to traditional intersections with traffic
signals or stop signs.
4. Traffic Islands and Medians: Raised islands or medians placed in the center of the roadway to
separate opposing traffic streams and provide refuge for pedestrians crossing the street. Traffic
islands and medians help calm traffic by reducing the width of the roadway and discouraging
aggressive driving behavior.
5. Bulb-Outs and Neckdowns: Extensions of the sidewalk or curb into the roadway to narrow the
travel lanes and reduce crossing distances for pedestrians. Bulb-outs and neckdowns help
increase pedestrian visibility, improve safety at intersections, and slow vehicle speeds by
creating a visual narrowing effect.
6. Raised Crosswalks: Crosswalks elevated above the roadway surface to increase visibility and
encourage drivers to yield to pedestrians. Raised crosswalks improve safety by reducing vehicle
speeds and enhancing pedestrian crossings, particularly in areas with high foot traffic.
7. Gateway Treatments: Landscaping, signage, and other features placed at the entrances to
neighborhoods or commercial districts to signal a transition from higher-speed to lower-speed
environments. Gateway treatments help create a sense of place, increase driver awareness, and
encourage compliance with speed limits.
8. Traffic Calming Signage and Markings: Signs, pavement markings, and other visual cues used
to alert drivers to the presence of traffic calming measures and encourage compliance with speed
limits. Clear and consistent signage helps educate motorists about the purpose and effectiveness
of traffic calming efforts.
9. Community Engagement and Education: Engaging with residents, businesses, and community
stakeholders to raise awareness about the benefits of traffic calming and solicit input on proposed
measures. Community involvement can help build support for traffic calming initiatives and
ensure they address local needs and concerns.
10. Enforcement and Evaluation: Enforcing speed limits and traffic regulations through targeted
enforcement efforts and monitoring the effectiveness of traffic calming measures through data
collection and evaluation. Regular assessment allows transportation agencies to identify areas for
improvement and make adjustments as needed to optimize traffic calming efforts.
By implementing a combination of these traffic calming measures and engaging with the
community, transportation agencies can create safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable streets
for all road users.
Evaluation of traffic management systems is crucial to assess their effectiveness in improving
traffic flow, safety, and overall transportation efficiency. The evaluation process involves
collecting data, analyzing performance metrics, and assessing the impacts of various traffic
management strategies and technologies. Here are key aspects of evaluating traffic management
systems:
1. Data Collection: Gathering data on traffic volume, speed, congestion levels, travel times, and
other relevant parameters using traffic sensors, cameras, and other monitoring devices. Data
collection may also include surveys, observations, and input from stakeholders.
2. Performance Metrics: Establishing performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of traffic
management systems, such as average speed, travel time reliability, congestion duration, vehicle
throughput, and safety indicators (e.g., crash rates, injury severity).
3. Before-and-After Analysis: Comparing traffic conditions before and after the implementation
of traffic management systems to assess changes in performance metrics. This allows
transportation agencies to quantify the impacts of interventions and identify areas of
improvement.
4. Simulation Modeling: Using traffic simulation models to predict the effects of traffic
management strategies under different scenarios and evaluate potential outcomes. Simulation
modeling helps assess the scalability and robustness of traffic management systems and inform
decision-making.
5. Traffic Flow Analysis: Analyzing traffic flow patterns, including congestion hotspots,
bottleneck locations, and travel time distributions, to identify areas in need of intervention and
assess the effectiveness of implemented measures.
6. Safety Evaluation: Evaluating the safety impacts of traffic management systems by examining
crash data, injury severity, and other safety-related factors before and after implementation. This
helps determine whether interventions have resulted in improvements or changes in safety
performance.
7. User Satisfaction Surveys: Conducting surveys to gather feedback from road users, including
motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders, on their perceptions of traffic
management systems. User satisfaction surveys help gauge public opinion and identify areas for
improvement.
8. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Performing cost-benefit analysis to assess the economic feasibility and
return on investment of traffic management systems. This involves comparing the costs of
implementation and maintenance with the benefits in terms of improved traffic flow, reduced
congestion, and other measurable outcomes.
9. Adaptive Management: Continuously monitoring and evaluating traffic management systems
over time to identify emerging issues, adapt to changing traffic conditions, and fine-tune
strategies for optimal performance. Adaptive management ensures that traffic management
efforts remain effective and responsive to evolving needs.
10. Benchmarking and Best Practices: Comparing the performance of traffic management systems
with industry benchmarks and best practices to identify areas of excellence and opportunities for
improvement. Benchmarking helps transportation agencies learn from successful strategies
implemented elsewhere and strive for continuous improvement.
Overall, thorough evaluation of traffic management systems is essential to inform decision-
making, optimize resource allocation, and ensure that interventions effectively address traffic
challenges and enhance the quality of transportation services for all users.
