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Congestion Management Process

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The Congestion Management Process (CMP) is described by the FHWA as a systematic and regionally accepted approach for managing congestion. It provides accurate, up-to-date information on transportation system performance and assesses alternative strategies for congestion management that meet state and local needs. Federal regulations require MPOs with a population over 200,000 to establish a process for managing congestion. This tool provides recommendations for the effective management of congested facilities to ensure all potential alternatives to address congestion have been examined for identified projects that include additional roadway capacity.

CMP Development includes the following steps: 1. identify the study area and congested area, 2. develop goals and objectives, 3. evaluate performance, 4. identify strategies, and 5. develop the implementation plan

CRTPO goal, objectives and performance measures for the CMP

CMP – Goal, Objectives, and Performance Measures

Goal: Manage Congestion

Objectives:Performance Measures:
Develop congestion management measures% of Roadway Miles at a Travel Time Index (TTI)/Volume-to-Capacity-Ratio
Reduce non-recurring congestion durationNumber of crashes related to the statewide average
Consider full range of congestion management strategiesWere all reasonable techniques and strategies considered? (Yes / No)
Improve the resiliency, redundancy, and reliability of the transportation networkExtract data from HERE* – Planning Time Index (PTI) or other indices
*HERE is a technology company that provides existing and historical traffic information by collecting and analyzing anonymous vehicles and smartphone location data.
CMP – Goal, Objectives, and Performance Measures Table

The CMP is one way the CRTPO plans for future improvements to its transportation network. It is a process that provides information to help influence investment decisions and project programming.

Planning Process, including how CMP is involved in creating the MTP from the CTP

For additional background on CMPs, visit the Federal Highway Administration’s website.