THE FUTURE OF FREEWAYS : RESEARCH IDENTIFIES STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING MANAGED LANES

Researchers at the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) are studying ways to implement managed lanes as a way to increase freeway utilization without necessarily adding a large amount of new capacity. They work by allowing only eligible users to travel on those lanes, with the parameters for eligibility being designed to assure free-flow conditions. Vehicle-occupancy levels, pricing and types of vehicles (e.g. buses or other high-volume passenger vehicles) are among the determinants commonly used. The research is laying groundwork for going forward with managed lane plans, with three key areas: legislation establishing authorities to develop managed lanes, education to convince the public and policymakers, and new funding sources to finance them.