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Champion(s)
Map Interdependencies and Identify Opportunities to Leverage Research Around Performance Metrics with Implementation of TSMO Strategies
Funding
Research Period
Description
The desired outcome and expected final product of this research is to develop a technical
memorandum that summarizes findings from a research scan of existing TSMO plans and current
emerging technology research to identify interdependencies and relationships. The goals of this
research is to: 1) provide a resource for integrating emerging transportation technologies into
TSMO planning; and 2) integrating performance management and systems impacts analysis around
emerging transportation technologies into TSMO planning. (This Research Needs Statement was drawn from a Systems Management and Emerging Technologies Research Roadmap because of its overlap with performance management.)
Literature Search Summary
Current research around TSMO plans looks at feasibility, resiliency, asset management, and how some
states are integrating technology into their TSMO plans. This does not address performance measures
of technology or how TSMO plans are assessing the integration of technology. Further, existing
research in emerging transportation technologies is focused on impacts on data, workforce training,
best practices, and asset management. There is no research about determining performance measures
for these technologies or how to apply those to existing state agency efforts. There are two gaps
addressed by emerging technologies into the context of performance measurements and one that uses TSMO plans to inform that process.
Objectives
Research focus areas include current standards research and emerging technology management tools, task forces, and regulations. To successfully complete this research, the following key tasks will need to be completed:
• Conduct a national scan of state TSMO plans
• Review best practices for how TSMO plans can integrate emerging transportation technologies
• Look at existing case studies of how states use their TSMO plans to test or deploy emerging transportation technologies
• Synthesize and merge research around performance metrics and management for emerging transportation technologies
• Identify applicable research conducted by USDOT and AASHTO/TRB committees
• Develop 5-6 case studies showcasing the relationship between TSMO plans and existing research
Urgency and Potential Benefits
States have a clear interest in integrating TSMO plans into existing agency functions. TSMO plans are becoming core functions of transportation agencies and to permanently accommodate these programs, agencies are developing TSMO plans that outline strategic, programmatic, and tactical visions with the necessary steps to achieve this vision. This includes outlining business cases, program performance measures and goals, organizational structure, staffing and workforce needs, leadership needs, and policies for implementation. TSMO plans can build on existing research from USDOT, and AASHTO/TRB committees addressing these elements in the context of performance measures for emerging technology.
Conducting this research is important to ensure emerging technologies can be incorporated into state plans for updating transportation systems. As TSMO plans are designed to be forward thinking and implementation focused, they are well equipped to address emerging technologies from the standpoint of developing and integrating performance measures. Not conducting this research may leave a gap around implementation and require state DOT’s to evaluate proposed programs, products, and policies without an established base of metrics or guidance. Transportation agencies at the state and local levels will rely on this body of research to build out TSMO plans that quantify impacts, and eventually all road users can benefit from TSMO plans that address performance measures for emerging transportation technologies. This will also benefit the larger community of practice and merge a key focus area of state DOTs with emerging transportation technologies.
Implementation Considerations
Within a state DOT, departments focused on the evaluation and integration of emerging technologies
into the transportation system will likely be responsible for using the research results. Some
state DOTs have dedicated staff focused on transportation and innovation while other DOTs have
merged this into their departments focused on Intelligent Transportation Systems.
State DOTs can use the body of research developed by this statement to modify existing TSMO plans
or develop new plans that integrate performance measures for emerging transportation technologies.
The findings from this research are also anticipated to support needed coordination across
departments when considering the evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies, including
coordination around staff working on TSMO plans and evaluating emerging transportation
technologies.
Existing venues for further discussion around the project and the findings will include AASHTO
meetings, SMET joint-subcommittee, and meetings of the Transportation Research Board. There will
also be opportunities to coordinate findings with other national organizations and the Federal
Highway Administration.