This track will investigate the innovating approaches agencies are using to actively manage and operate freeways and toll roads. This track will highlight the latest strategies, methods (e.g., traffic analysis tools, using emerging sources of data), and approaches for improving the safety and operation of specific lanes (e.g., managed lanes, hard shoulder running, variable speeds or speed harmonization, ramp metering), motorways, or roadway networks impacted by congested traffic, incidents (e.g., crashes), events (e.g., work zones), or emergencies (e.g., severe weather).

The next generation of an agencies traffic management systems (TMSs) and their operations centers (TMCs) offer agencies the opportunity to improve traffic safety and mobility. To achieve these goals may involve planning and pursuing improvements, enhancing services, or developing a strategic direction charting a path to prepare for and pursue the next generation of an agencies TMSs. This track will explore opportunities agencies may consider to improve the capabilities and performance of their TMSs by taking advantage of new technologies, using innovative methods to enhance services being provided, expanding service areas, actively manage traffic, identifying incidents, and sharing of traffic and roadway condition information.

This track will explore different approaches in project finance involving public or private partners, congestion pricing to promote reliability and efficient use of the transport system, distance-based pricing to address declining motor fuel tax revenue, safety considerations on priced roads, and how pricing and financing decisions contribute towards net zero emissions goals to meet the global climate imperative.

Agencies continue to search for innovative methods or approaches to electronically share data and information involving the conditions, services, and multi-modal options associated with managing traffic on the surface transportation system within the roadway digital ecosystem. This track will explore a range of issues agencies may consider with sharing and using data electronically with emerging sources, third-party service providers, connected and automated vehicles, connected travelers, or with different types of events (e.g., construction work zones).