What are managed lanes?
According to the Federal Highway Administration, managed lanes are highway lanes where operational strategies are proactively implemented and managed in response to changing conditions.
The diagram below (click to enlarge) captures the potential lane management applications that fall under the broad definition of “managed lanes.” On the left of the diagram are the applications of a single operational strategy. As you move to the right on the diagram, you get into more complex managed lane facilities that blend more than one of the strategies.
What are the different types of managed lanes?
Managed lane strategies fall into three main categories:
Are managed lanes toll roads?
There is a growing assumption that any form of a managed lane is synonymous with a tolling operation. While this is sometimes true, it is not a given. Lane management encompasses a wide variety of strategies, including but not limited to:
Alone or combined, all of these lane types are under the umbrella of a comprehensive managed lane strategy.
Definitions
Why do we use managed lanes?
Managed lanes are vital for reducing congestion and offering drivers more reliable timeframes for getting to their destinations. By actively managing the flow of traffic in a lane, transportation agencies are able to adjust lane strategies as needed to maximize roadway efficiency, improving traffic flow on both the managed and general-purpose lanes.
Loop 1/Mopac Expressway in Austin, TX — managed lane on left, general purpose lanes on right. Select the photo to view a larger image.
How do managed lanes benefit drivers?
Why not just add more general-purpose lanes?
Strategic management of lanes on existing and proposed roadways is critical to achieving improved travel times for everyone.
How are managed lane strategies deployed in Texas?
In Texas, the majority of managed lanes contain no fee component. Where fee-based managed lanes exist, they offer drivers the option and convenience of bypassing congestion on adjacent general-purpose lanes.
Who operates the managed lanes?
TxDOT, or in some cases project developers, manage the lanes and entities such as a toll road authority may provide billing, either by mail or electronically, with reduced rates for vehicles equipped with any Texas transponder (such as TxTag, TollTag or EZ Tag).
Where are the managed lanes?
Managed lanes are located and are being built around the state. View statewide inventory.
Austin
Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas
El Paso
Fort Worth
Houston
San Antonio
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