Following are highlights
from Part 2 of Monday's Improving Systems Management and Operations with SHRP2
Reliability Products session:
Speakers focused on Reliability Analysis Tools,
Regional Operations Forums and the Work Zone Impact and Strategy Estimator
(WISE). Stephen Andrle of TRB focused on Analytic Tools to Improve Operations
Capability, pinpointing that the reliability focus is to provide reliable
travel times by preventing recurring congestion. He also stated that these
focus areas include such critical elements as reliability, renewal and
capacity. Andrle also said some causes affecting reliability include incidents,
weather and work zones. Project LO5 was presented on as well; this
project is focused on incorporating reliability and it provides guidance on
performance based planning that addresses reliability as called for by MAP21.
Andrle also mentioned that there is a guidebook on reliability available on
SHRP2 via TRB’s website. Kathleen Frankle of the University of Maryland
presented on Regional Operations Forums. These forum allow input from states on
transportation operations issues. These forums may also possibly become a part
of the Operations Center for Excellence/EKTS and are currently on the KTS;
please visit http://www.tsmoinfo.org
to find out more.
Tracy Scriba of FHWA presented on a tool known as
WISE—the Workzone Impact and Strategy Estimator Tool. She says the WISE
Tool is a product if SHRP2 Project R11 and its target audience is DOT managers,
planners and program managers in moderate and large MPOs with an active renewal
program. Scriba says WISE is needed because the transportation system is a
network-roadwork in one location often affects operations in other places. This
tool also helps to deal with current conditions-growing urbanization in many
areas as well as road repair. She stated that WISE helps to coordinate operations
and helps identify major project impacts. Currently the WISE tool consists of a
planning as well as an operations module.