In March, the National Operators Center of Excellence (NOCoE) recognized TxDOT’s My35 Waco Construction Project for research excellence in using transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) practices to maximize safety in work zones along the corridor.
As defined by the Federal Highway Administration, TSMO is a “set of strategies that focus on operational improvements that can maintain and even restore the performance of the existing transportation system before extra capacity is needed.” Emphasizing the most transportation bang for the taxpayer buck, TSMO applications rely on “comprehensive solutions that can be quickly implemented at relatively low cost,” helping stretch public dollars and balance supply and demand related to transportation assets. Proper application of TSMO strategies can also improve roadway safety, reduce congestion (increasing mobility), and provide cleaner air by reducing idling vehicles and, thereby, wasted fuel.
Citing the My35 Waco Construction Project’s goal to make the corridor safer “for both workers and travelers,” NOCoE published a case study on the project to capture best practices that other state departments of transportation can learn from. NOCoE’s video documenting the project cited TxDOT’s excellence in implementing TSMO principles into its work zone plan, “taking into account the decreased capacity, a growing community [Waco], a neighboring university [Baylor University], impacts to pedestrians and businesses, a substantial growth in tourism, significant throughput traffic, and the fact that I-35 is the most heavily traveled freight corridor in Texas.” | Read the NOCoE My35 Waco Project Case Study | View the NOCoE My35 Waco Project Video
“TxDOT’s Waco District appreciates the recognition by the National Operators Center of Excellence for our work in improving work zone safety, both for workers and travelers,” says Deputy District Engineer Michael Bolin. “A central tenet of TxDOT’s strategic plan is safety on Texas roadways, and it’s very satisfying to be able to share what we’ve learned with other agencies nationwide.”
Jake Smith
I-35 Public Information Officer
254-867-2705
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