909.1 Introduction to TSMO

909.1.1 Overview of TSMO Strategies

TSMO strategies are the day-to-day operational actions MoDOT uses to actively manage the transportation system and address the primary causes of congestion without relying solely on capacity expansion.

Congestion generally falls into two categories:

• Non-recurring delays arise from unplanned or irregular events such as incidents, disasters, weather, work zones, and special events. These disruptions are inherently unpredictable, vary in severity and duration, and often require dynamic traffic management and interagency coordination to reduce their impact.
• Recurring delays occur regularly at specific locations, most often during peak traffic periods. This type of congestion is usually the result of demand exceeding the capacity of the existing system. Transportation agencies do not have the resources to construct enough highway capacity to eliminate all recurring congestion. Instead, TSMO strategies provide more cost-effective ways to manage demand and improve flow.

By addressing both types of congestion, TSMO supports MoDOT’s mission of moving Missourians safely and reliably while making the best use of available resources. These strategies are organized based on whether they address non-recurring delays or recurring delays, as described below.

909.2 Non-Congested Route (Non-Recurring Delays) – These strategies focus on managing temporary (whether short-term or long-term) capacity reductions caused by irregular or time-limited events that disrupt normal traffic conditions, with the goal of restoring mobility and safety efficiently and consistently.

• 909.2.1 Traffic Incident Management: Coordinates detection, response, and clearance across multiple agencies to minimize secondary crashes and return roadways to normal operation quickly.
• 909.2.2 Transportation Operations for Emergency Incidents or Disasters: Supports system readiness and coordinated response during natural or human-caused disasters through planning, communication, and multimodal evacuation procedures.
• 909.2.3 Road Weather Management: Integrates environmental monitoring, data-driven decision support, and targeted maintenance to mitigate the effects of adverse weather on safety and mobility.
• 909.2.4 Work Zone Traffic Management: Applies smart work zone technologies and comprehensive traffic management plans to maintain safe and reliable travel through construction and maintenance areas.
• 909.2.5 Planned Special Event Management: Coordinates transportation, enforcement, and communication activities for scheduled events to maintain efficient system operations and traveler safety.

909.3 Congested Route (Recurring Delays) – These strategies address predictable and routine congestion caused by daily travel demand and capacity constraints on specific facilities or corridors, emphasizing active traffic management, system integration, and multimodal coordination.

• 909.3.1 Freeway Operations and Management: Improves freeway performance through corridor-level monitoring, adaptive control, and coordinated operations to enhance safety and travel-time reliability.
• 909.3.2 Arterial Operations and Management: Optimizes signal timing, intersection design, and corridor coordination to improve mobility and safety on surface streets.
• 909.3.3 Freight Operation: Enhances the efficiency and safety of freight movement through improved access, parking management, and technology-based monitoring along key freight corridors.
• 909.3.4 Vulnerable Road Users: Improves safety, accessibility, and comfort for VRUs through targeted infrastructure, operational strategies, and multimodal coordination.
• 909.3.5 Transit Operation: Strengthens transit reliability and accessibility through operational strategies such as priority treatments, multimodal hubs, and corridor management.

909.1.2 Relationship with Other Programs

TSMO is not a standalone initiative—it complements and enhances MoDOT’s other programs:

• Safety Programs: TSMO contributes to MoDOT’s safety goals, as outlined in the Strategic Highway Safety Plan and the SAFER Program (see EPG 907.9 Safety Assessment For Every Roadway (SAFER)), by reducing secondary crashes, improving work zone management, and advancing road weather management capabilities.
• Asset Management: Proper maintenance of TSMO strategies and supporting systems can improve how facilities operate, reduce incidents that accelerate wear, and extend the life of infrastructure investments.
• Planning and Design: TSMO principles should be incorporated early in the planning and design process so that operational strategies are built into projects from the start.
• Maintenance: Maintenance activities can be coordinated with TSMO tools such as smart work zones and ITS devices to reduce traffic disruptions.
• Traveler Information: TSMO strengthens customer service by providing real-time, accurate, and actionable information to the traveling public.

In practice, TSMO serves as the operational thread that connects safety, planning, design, maintenance, and customer service into a unified system-management approach.

909.1.3 Roles and Contributions for TSMO Implementation

This guide is designed to provide MoDOT staff and partners with a clear, practical reference for TSMO strategies. Table 909.1.3 highlights the typical roles and potential TSMO contributions of different staff in implementing and supporting TSMO strategies, as applicable based on project context, needs, and available resources. These contributions are intended to guide coordination and consideration of TSMO strategies and may vary depending on the specific application.

Table 909.1.3. Typical Roles and Potential Contributions for TSMO Implementation

Role	Potential TSMO Contribution
Transportation Management Center (TMC) Operator	Monitor traffic conditions, manage information systems, and coordinate incident response and traveler communication to maintain safe and efficient roadway operations.
Emergency Response Operator	Provide on-scene incident management, motorist assistance, and roadway clearance to restore normal traffic flow and enhance safety during disruptions.
Maintenance Technician	Implement maintenance related TSMO strategies; provide feedback and effort for continual improvement of these strategies and tools.
Traffic Operations Engineer	Implement traffic operations related TSMO strategies; provide feedback and effort for continual improvement of these strategies and tools.
Transportation Planner	Incorporate TSMO and other traditional transportation improvement strategies into planning efforts, as appropriate.
Design Staff	Consider TSMO as a key element of design, where applicable, either as a direct improvement for the specific application or as an opportunity for the continuation of existing TSMO strategies.
Construction Inspector	Coordinate with appropriate personnel when modifying design elements or inspecting TSMO related infrastructure.
Work Zone Specialists	Oversee temporary traffic control in construction zones; review and manage Transportation Management Plans (TMPs), ensure proper setup and quality of traffic control devices, assess risks, and provide input during planning and post-construction reviews to enhance safety and minimize disruptions.
Information Systems Manager	Provide oversight and management of field and central communications systems, computer and software, and other information systems resources.
Human Resources Specialist	Incorporate relevant related skills and experience into position descriptions where TSMO expertise is needed; assist with training programs to improve the knowledge, skills, and abilities of existing operations personnel.
Emergency Management Agencies	Support TSMO implementation by providing coordinated incident response, traffic control, emergency medical services, and roadway clearance; collaborate with MoDOT and TMC staff, when applicable, to improve incident management, responder safety, and system recovery during emergencies and planned events.

909.1.4 TSMO Implementation Framework

The TSMO Implementation Framework provides a structured approach for MoDOT to translate its mission and agency goals into actionable objectives and strategies. It supports the development of purpose-driven, measurable strategies aligned with statewide priorities. This framework serves as a bridge between MoDOT’s overarching mission and the specific strategies implemented across the TSMO program. Effective implementation of these goals relies on coordination across disciplines, integration throughout project phases, and collaboration with internal and external partners.

Table 909.1.4.1 identifies the core programmatic elements, MoDOT’s goals and associated objectives, that guide how TSMO is planned, implemented, and evaluated.

Table 909.1.4.1 Programmatic Element

Goal	Objective
Safety	Reduce crash frequency and severity through proactive deployment of TSMO strategies (e.g., incident management, work zone safety, network operations).
Reliability	Support predictable and consistent travel times across the system by proactively managing congestion and incidents.
Efficiency	Operate MoDOT’s existing system efficiently and effectively through the application of TSMO strategies, as appropriate, to improve performance and inform decisions regarding potential capacity expansion.
Customer Service	Support timely, accurate, and useful traveler information that enables informed decision-making.

Table 909.1.4.2 links MoDOT’s mission to measurable outcomes and example TSMO strategies, demonstrating how operations initiatives directly support statewide goals.

Table 909.1.4.2. Linking MoDOT Mission to Outcomes and Example TSMO Strategies

Mission	High-Level Outcome	Example TSMO Strategy
Improving safety (Moving Missourians safely)	Reduction in crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries; safer travel for all users	• 909.2.1 Traffic Incident Management • 909.2.3 Road Weather Management • 909.2.4 Work Zone Traffic Management • 909.3.1 Freeway Operations and Management • 909.3.2 Arterial Operations and Management
Providing high-value, impactful solutions (Delivering efficient and innovative transportation projects; asset management)	Cost-effective improvements that maximize existing infrastructure and delay costly expansions	• 909.3.1 Freeway Operations and Management • 909.3.2 Arterial Operations and Management • 909.3.3 Freight Operation • 909.3.4 Vulnerable Road Users
Improving reliability and mobility (Operating a reliable transportation system; Building a prosperous economy for all Missourians)	Predictable travel times and improved system performance for people and freight	• 909.2.2 Transportation Operations for Emergency Incidents or Disasters • 909.2.4 Work Zone Traffic Management • 909.2.5 Planned Special Event Management • 909.3.1 Freeway Operations and Management • 909.3.5 Transit Operation
Providing useful and timely traveler information (Providing outstanding customer service)	Informed travel decisions by the public, increased user satisfaction	• 909.2.2 Transportation Operations for Emergency Incidents or Disasters • 909.2.3 Road Weather Management

909.1.5 Performance Metrics

Performance metrics provide the foundation for evaluating how TSMO strategies contribute to the safety, reliability, efficiency, and customer experience of Missouri’s transportation system. MoDOT currently tracks performance through a combination of federal performance measures and internal performance management tools (e.g. Tracker: Measures of Departmental Performance). The following tables present example performance measures that may be used to assess the effectiveness of TSMO strategies related to both non-recurring delays (Table 909.1.5.1) and recurring delays (Table 909.1.5.2).

These measures are not intended to represent required or standalone reporting metrics, but rather a menu of potential measures that can support analysis, planning, and evaluation efforts, as appropriate to the specific application, study type, or operational need. When applied, these metrics can help users identify opportunities for improvement and support data-driven decision-making.

Table 909.1.5.1 Linking MoDOT TSMO Strategies for Non-Recurring Delays to Performance Metrics

Strategy	Goals	Example Performance Metric
909.2.1 Traffic Incident Management	Enhance the safety of traveling public and incident responders	• Number of secondary crashes per incident • Severity (fatalities/serious injuries) of secondary crashes • Percent of incidents with secondary crashes recorded • Number of responders struck-by crashes • Severity of responder-involved crashes • Percent of incidents with responder crash data recorded
	Enhance reliability and efficiency of Missouri’s transportation system	• Average roadway clearance time • Average incident clearance time • Percent of incidents meeting clearance time targets
	Strengthen coordination, communication, and collaboration between MoDOT and TIM partners	• Number of formalized agreements signed • Number of multi-agency TIM meetings held annually • Number of TIM trainings held annually • Partner participation rate in meetings/exercises
	Establish TIM policies, procedures, and protocols within MoDOT	• Number of formal TIM policies/protocols adopted • Percent of TIM coordinator positions filled and active
909.2.2 Transportation Operations for Emergency Incidents or Disasters	Enhance safety and responder protection during emergency incidents	• Number of emergency-related crashes • Severity (fatal/serious injury) of emergency-related crashes • Percent of emergency incidents with responder safety data recorded
	Improve reliability and speed of emergency response and system restoration	• Time to activate emergency operations • Duration of emergency lane/road closures • Percent of priority routes restored within target timeframes • Emergency communication system uptime • Average time to deploy emergency traffic control
909.2.3 Road Weather Management	Improve safety under adverse weather conditions	• Number of weather-related crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries • Crash rate per weather event
	Enhance operational readiness and timely roadway treatment	• Time to treat priority routes during storms • Percent of network treated within specific time thresholds • Materials usage efficiency (salt, brine, abrasives)
	Improve traveler information accuracy during weather events	• Traveler information system accuracy rate during storms • Number of travel information interactions (511 apps, CMS messages)
909.2.4 Work Zone Traffic Management	Enhance safety for workers and motorists in work zones	• Number and rate of work zone crashes • Number of work zone fatalities and serious injuries • Number of work zone intrusions (near-miss events)
	Improve mobility and reduce unexpected work zone delays	• Work-zone related delays • Percent of work zones meeting mobility targets (queue length, speed, travel time) • Average incident clearance time for work zone-related incidents
909.2.5 Planned Special Event Management	Ensure safe travel conditions during special events	• Number and rate of special event-related crashes • Vulnerable Road User (VRU) level of comfort/safety index near event venues
	Improve mobility and minimize event-related congestion	• Travel time reliability during event periods • Vehicle and pedestrian throughput at key access points • Percent of events meeting planned operational performance targets

Table 909.1.5.2 Linking MoDOT TSMO Strategies for Recurring Delays to Performance Metrics

Strategy	Goals	Example Performance Metric
909.3.1 Freeway Operations and Management	Support safety on managed freeway facilities	• Number and rate of crashes on freeway segments • Number of secondary crashes
	Improve travel reliability on freeway corridors	• Travel time reliability index • Planning time index
	Enhance operational efficiency on freeway corridors	• Average travel speed and delay • Vehicle and truck throughput • Number of recurring congestion hotspots mitigated
909.3.2 Arterial Operations and Management	Enhance safety at signalized intersections and arterials	• Crash frequency and severity at signalized intersections • Pedestrian and bicycle crash rate
	Improve efficiency of arterial traffic flow	• Arterial travel time and delay • Signal progression quality (arrival on green, bandwidth) • Number of mitigated congestion hotspots
	Enhance reliability of multimodal arterial operations	• Transit signal delay at signals (if applicable) • Pedestrian crossing delay
909.3.3 Freight Operation	Improve efficiency on key freight corridors	• Truck delay at bottlenecks • Freight throughput (corridor or intermodal facility)
	Enhance reliability of freight travel	• Truck travel time reliability index • Number of freight-related congestion hotspots mitigated
909.3.4 Vulnerable Road Users	Enhance safety and comfort for Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs)	• Number and rate of VRU crashes • VRU level of comfort/safety index
	Improve connectivity for walking and bicycling	• Miles of connected pedestrian/bicycle facilities • Percent of network meeting connectivity standards
	Support sustainable, multimodal travel options	• Share of trips completed using active modes
909.3.5 Transit Operation	Enhance mobility of transit users	• Passenger throughput per route or corridor • Average transit travel time
	Improve transit reliability and on-time performance	• Percent of on-time arrivals • Transit travel time reliability (travel adherence)
	Improve customer experience and multimodal access	• Customer satisfaction survey results • Pedestrian access quality (stop accessibility index)