Operations - Did You Know?
You can now access real-time traveler information by using a mobile device through the Internet by entering www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/511/mobile for a list of mobile-device-friendly Web sites with real-time traveler information. The sites are suitable for any device capable of accessing the Web. - 5/21/2008
The Freight Facts and Figures 2007 report is a snapshot of the volume and value of freight flows in the United States, the physical network over which freight moves, the economic conditions that generate freight movements, the industry that carries freight, and the safety, energy, and environmental implications of freight transportation. This snapshot helps decision makers, planners, and the public understand the magnitude and importance of freight transportation in the economy. (Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-08-004) - 2/27/2008
When planned special events are held, they generally increase traffic demands in or near the location of the event. In order to address this influx of traffic, transportation management plans are developed with the intent of minimizing the effect the event has on the transportation system. For a transportation management plan to be successful, however, it is strongly recommended that the plan be tested and reviewed prior to the event. One of the most effective ways to test a transportation management plan is through a tabletop exercise. (Source: Tabletop Exercise Instructions For Planned Events and Unplanned Incidents/Emergencies, Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-08-005, http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/tabletopexercpe/index.htm) - 12/4/2007
The Localized Bottleneck Reduction (LBR) program is focused on recurring congestion chokepoints (as opposed to nonrecurring congestion problems) and the operational influences that cause them. Operational influences are the highway junction and decision points (e.g., lane drops, weaves, on- and off ramps, signals, intersections, merges, tollbooths, width-restricted underpasses, etc.) that can become overwhelmed by vehicle volume on a recurring basis. For more information, please visit the LBR program web site, http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/bn/index.htm. - 11/7/2007
Advanced Traveler Information Systems, ATIS, can play an important role in communicating essential information to the public during disasters. Variable message signs, 511 telephone systems, highway advisory radio, and web sites are some of the dissemination devices of systems that collect, process, and disseminate information about travel conditions to the public for day-to-day transportation operations, and these same systems need to be effectively used during disaster situations. - 10/3/2007
In May 2006, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the National Strategy to Reduce Congestion on America's Transportation Network. The Strategy acknowledges that "congestion is one of the single largest threats to our economic prosperity and way of life," and costs America an estimated $200 billion a year. The Strategy also notes that growing congestion reduces the economic benefits derived from the movement of freight. For trucking companies, congestion diminishes productivity and increases the cost of operations, as drivers must be paid for time spent making deliveries as well as time spent stalled or stopped in traffic. Additionally, congestion results in decreased fuel efficiency and increased vehicle maintenance costs resulting from stop-and-go traffic conditions. Congestion also contributes to societal costs such as decreases in air quality and increases in the cost of consumer goods. - 6/12/2007
