Analyzing Express Versus Reversible Lanes Under Saturation Conditions: Case Study of Austin, Texas

Growth in and around Austin, Texas is growing at a phenomenal rate—so much so that the transportation system is heavily congested with 2035 forecast projections showing oversaturation conditions on many of the freeway corridors including IH 35. Researchers used a state-of-the-art modeling methodology to analyze two managed lane scenarios for IH 35 including express and reversible lanes to determine whether any congestion relief could be provided. A base model of the adopted Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s plan was converted to a simulation-based dynamic traffic assignment model capable of analyzing traffic operations on a localized and regional basis. Researchers used a combination of static, time-dependent and congestive-responsive tolling strategies for multiple corridors in the Austin metropolitan area. Simulation results of the base model showed travel times of 3 hours from the downtown area to the suburbs in the north during the afternoon peak period. Researchers then employed managed lane strategies that showed promising results for the IH 35 corridor. Travel times were reduced and speeds increased. There was mixed improvements between the two managed lane scenarios when analyzing the impacts at a regional level. The described simulation model could be used for operational planning analyses for decision-making in the Central Texas region. In addition, this project is a proof of concept for the Austin region and could provide insight to stakeholders in the region interested in additional corridors and managed lane strategies.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB35 Standing Committee on Managed Lanes. Alternate title: Analyzing Express Versus Reversible Lanes Under Saturation Conditions: A Case Study of Austin, Texas
• Authors:
  • Shelton, Jeffrey
  • Valdez, Gabriel A
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2018-1-7 to 2018-1-11
• Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 18p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Access control (Transportation); Case studies; Congestion pricing; Dynamic traffic assignment; Express lanes; Freeways; Managed lanes; Reversible traffic lanes; Traffic congestion; Traffic simulation; Travel time
• Identifier Terms: Interstate 35
• Geographic Terms: Austin (Texas)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01663936
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 18-04847
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 22 2018 12:03PM