Freeway Traffic Management: A Review of Minnesota's Experience, 1969-1973

As has been the situation in other major metropolitan areas, the recurring peak hour congestion problem has illustrated a need for freeway operation beyond the signing, striping, police and maintenance activity. It is now also apparent that surveillance and control measures are but a part of a necessary Traffic Management System incorporating the full range of detection, observation and response capabilities.

This report documents the activities of the Minnesota Highway Department in the area of freeway surveillance and control and how these activities are in keeping with an ultimate Traffic Management System for the seven county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Current projects are located on I-35E in St. Paul/Ramsey County and I-35W & 1-94 in the Minneapolis/Hennepin County area (Figure 1).