Transportation agencies do not often have the luxury of undertaking massive new infrastructure expansion projects.  Therefore, it is essential to get the most out of existing infrastructure.  This requires innovative approaches to optimize the use of roadways, bridges, transit systems, and other transportation assets in order to achieve heightened operational efficiencies.  The programs, projects, and techniques that help achieve this increased efficiency are part of the transportation operations program.

Highway safety can be heavily influenced by operational conditions such as traffic congestion, weather, work zones, traffic signal timings, and other factors.  Conversely, crashes and other incidents can have a tremendous impact on operations and congestion.  For this reason, transportation operations and safety planning are often done in tandem to ensure a coordinated approach.

By focusing on maintaining existing infrastructure and maximizing operational efficiencies, SPC’s Transportation Operations and Safety activities support the following Regional Vision Scenario policies in our Region’s Plan:

• Revitalization and redevelopment of existing communities is a priority.
• Maintenance of the existing transportation system will be a regional priority.
• The region’s transportation system will be actively managed and operated to function at its full potential.
• Transportation and development choices will prioritize safe and secure multimodal and intermodal networks for people and goods.

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