Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide (2024)

Chapter: Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists

Previous Chapter: Appendix D: Available Resources and Tools for ATM
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM Institutional Capability
Assessment

(Chapter 3—Enabling ATM)

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Capability Maturity Model Dimension Current Level of Capability Desired Level of Capability for ATM
Image 1—Performed 1—Performed
2—Managed 2—Managed
3—Integrated 3—Integrated
4—Optimized 4—Optimized
Image 1—Performed 1—Performed
2—Managed 2—Managed
3—Integrated 3—Integrated
4—Optimized 4—Optimized
Image 1—Performed 1—Performed
2—Managed 2—Managed
3—Integrated 3—Integrated
4—Optimized 4—Optimized
Image 1—Performed 1—Performed
2—Managed 2—Managed
3—Integrated 3—Integrated
4—Optimized 4—Optimized
Image 1—Performed 1—Performed
2—Managed 2—Managed
3—Integrated 3—Integrated
4—Optimized 4—Optimized
Image 1—Performed 1—Performed
2—Managed 2—Managed
3—Integrated 3—Integrated
4—Optimized 4—Optimized
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM Feasibility and Screening
Process

(Chapter 4—“Assessing the Suitability of ATM”)

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Category Feasibility/Screening Activity Image
Image Ensure ATM supports regional goals.
Identify relevant objectives for ATM.
Identify network to be analyzed.
Identify and collaborate with stakeholders.
Commence data collection.
Review recent literature.
Image Identify applicable ATM strategies in terms of network features, project scope, agency policies, and legal considerations.
Ensure supporting institutional framework is in place.
Image Determine level of transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) deployment along segments. Consider other TSMO strategies in lieu of ATM as appropriate.
Identify major segments that will likely benefit from deploying ATM based on congestion, crash rates, bottlenecks, and other considerations.
Image Analyze and prioritize individual links for ATM deployment.
Identify appropriate ATM strategies for each link.
Combine strategies for each link and ensure compatibility across the network.
Image Consider key ATM cost factors.
Perform high-level estimates of benefits and costs using available tools.
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM Goals and Objectives Selection Process

(Chapter 4—“Assessing the Suitability of ATM”)

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Process Step Goals/Objectives/Strategies Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM Regional Goals Checklist

(Chapter 4—“Assessing the Suitability of ATM”)

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High-Level Regional Goal Specific Regional Goal Image
Image Improve the safety of corridor travel.
Maintain the level of safety on a facility.
(Other)
(Other)
(Other)
Image Increase mobility and accessibility by offering travel options.
Provide additional facility capacity.
Improve congested roadways.
Improve accessibility to the transportation system.
(Other)
(Other)
Image Provide a reliable alternative.
Increase the operational efficiency and reliability of the transportation system.
Support regional economic productivity and development.
(Other)
Image Provide a transportation system that can handle current and future demand.
Minimize environmental impacts.
Preserve neighborhoods.
Maintain land use patterns.
(Other)
(Other)
Image Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system.
Modify travel demand.
Enhance alternative modes of travel.
(Other)
(Other)
(Other)
Image Preserve the transportation system.
Optimizing existing capacity.
(Other)
(Other)
(Other)
(Other)
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM Regional Goals of ATM Strategies

(Chapter 4—“Assessing the Suitability of ATM”)

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ATM Strategies
Specific Regional Goal Adaptive Ramp Metering Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Dynamic Junction Control Dynamic Lane Reversal Dynamic Lane-Use Part-Time Shoulder Use Queue Warning Transit Signal Priority Variable Speed Limits
Improve the safety of corridor travel. X X X X X X X X
Maintain the level of safety on a facility. X X X X X X X X
(Other)
Increase mobility and accessibility by offering travel options. X X X X X X X X X
Provide additional facility capacity. X X X X
Improve congested roadways. X X X X X X X X X
Improve accessibility to the transportation system. X X X X X
(Other)
Provide a reliable alternative. X X X X X X X X X
Increase the operational efficiency and reliability of the transportation system. X X X X X X X X
Support regional economic productivity and development. X X X X X X X X
(Other)
Provide a transportation system that can handle current and future demand. X X X X X
Minimize environmental impacts. X X X X X X
Preserve neighborhoods. X X X X X X
Maintain land use patterns. X X X X X X
(Other)
Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system. X X X X X X X
Modify travel demand. X X X X X X X
Enhance alternative modes of travel. X X X X X X X
(Other)
Preserve the transportation system. X X X X X X X
Optimizing existing capacity. X X X X X X X X X
(Other)
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM Regional Objectives of ATM Strategies

(Chapter 4—“Assessing the Suitability of ATM”)

Image

ATM Strategies
Specific Regional Objective Adaptive Ramp Metering Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Dynamic Junction Control Dynamic Lane Reversal Dynamic Lane-Use Control Part-Time Shoulder Use Queue Warning Transit Signal Priority Variable Speed Limits
Increase vehicle-carrying capacity. X X X X X X X X
Increase person-carrying capacity. X X X X X X X X
Increase goods-carrying capacity. X X X X X X X X
Maintain free-flow speed. X X X X X X X
Maintain or improve level of service. X X X X X X X X X
Reduce travel time. X X X X X X X X X
Increase trip reliability. X X X X X X X X X
Improve express bus service. X X X X X X X X
Minimize primary traffic crashes. X X X X X X X
Reduce incident severity. X X X X X
Minimize secondary crashes. X X X X X X
Improve air quality from mobile sources. X X X X X X X
Reduce fuel consumption. X X X X X X X
Generate more uniform speeds in travel lanes. X X X X X X
Decrease headways between vehicles. X X
Promote more uniform driver behavior. X X X X
Delay onset of freeway breakdown. X X X X X X X
Reduce traffic noise. X X X X X
(Other)
(Other)
(Other)
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM Desired Data Types for Preliminary ATM Screening

(Chapter 4—"Assessing the Suitability of ATM”)

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Data Types Specific Data Elements Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

Selection of ATM Performance Measures

(Chapter 5—“ATM Performance and Data”)

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Measure Type Performance Measure Image
Image Travel Time
Travel-Time Index
Transit Travel Time
Total Delay, Vehicles
Total Delay, Persons
Delay per Vehicle
Number of Transit Stops
Customer Satisfaction
Congested Travel
Congested Time
(Other)
(Other)
Image Planning Time Index (Traveler Information)
Planning Time Index (Agency Activity)
Operating Speed Reliability
Transit Schedule Reliability
(Other)
(Other)
Image Throughput, Vehicles
Throughput, Persons
Vehicle-Miles of Travel
Bottlenecks
(Other)
(Other)
Image Total Crashes
Injury and Fatal Crashes
Overall Crash Rate
Injury and Fatality Crash Rate
Secondary Crashes
(Other)
(Other)
Image Number of Incidents by Type and Extent of Blockages
Incident Clearance Time
Roadway Clearance
Lane-Hours Lost due to Incidents
First Responder Response Time
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Measure Type Performance Measure Image
Image Service Patrol Assists
Clearance Time
On-Scene Time
Service Patrol Vehicles in Operation per Shift
(Other)
(Other)
Image Average Work Zone Delay
Average Work Zone Duration by Type of Activity
Lane-Hours Lost due to Work Zones
Pavement and Bridge Condition
Percent of Hours Influenced by Weather
Extent of Highways Affected by Snow, Ice, Rain, or Fog
Special Events
Toll Rate or Usage Fee
Carpool Eligibility
Signal Timing Plans
(Other)
(Other)
Image (Other)
(Other)
(Other)
(Other)
(Other)
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM Performance Measure Targets

(Chapter 5—“ATM Performance and Data”)

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Measure Target Definition Specific ✔ Measurable ✔ Achievable ✔ Relevant ✔ Timely ✔
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM Performance Measure Data Needs

(Chapter 5—“ATM Performance and Data”)

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Data Source Spatial Extent Temporal Extent Frequency Real Time ✔ Historical ✔
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM AMS Data Needs

(Chapter 6—“Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation for ATM”)

Image

Data Types ATM AMS Data Elements Image
Image Facility Type
Capacity
Segment Lengths
Number of Lanes
Roadway Curvature/Alignment
Lane Merge/Diverge
U-Turns
(Other)
Image Average Annual Daily Traffic
Average Daily Traffic
Turning Volumes
Origin-Destination Table
Speeds
(Other)
Image Traffic Signal Control
Other System Control Data
Ramp Metering Control
Transit Signal Priority Control
(Other)
Image Transit Route Stops
Time-of-Day Schedule Data
Household Income Level Data
(Other)
Image Pretrip Information
En Route Information
(Other)
(Other)
(Other)
Image Traffic Counts
Speeds
Queue Lengths
(Other)
(Other)
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM AMS Analysis Levels

(Chapter 6—“Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation for ATM”)

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ATM Strategy Microscopic Simulation Mesoscopic Simulation Signal Optimization Tools
Adaptive Ramp Metering Image Image Image
Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Image --- Image
Dynamic Junction Control Image --- ---
Dynamic Lane Reversal Image Image ---
Dynamic Lane-Use Control Image --- ---
Part-Time Shoulder Use Image Image ---
Queue Warning Image Image ---
Transit Signal Priority Image --- Image
Variable Speed Limits Image Image ---
Image
Intersection
Image
Sub-area
Image
Regional
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

ATM AMS Modeling Guidance

(Chapter 6—“Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation for ATM”)

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ATM Strategy Planning Design Operations
Adaptive Ramp Metering Identify predeployment infrastructure needs, perform cost analysis Use signal optimization to determine entry flow rates, storage space, and acceleration distance Use ramp metering to regulate operational inflow during peak/off-peak hours
Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Identify predeployment infrastructure needs, perform cost analysis Help design roadway capacity, turning bays, storage lengths, and entry flow rates using algorithms (e.g., ALINEA) Use adaptive traffic signal control to help reduce congestion levels on arterial corridors (through signal coordination); able to implement various adaptive traffic control algorithms
Dynamic Junction Control Identify predeployment infrastructure needs, perform cost analysis, plan for special events and long-term work zones Help design roadway capacity, part-time shoulder use, and work zone traffic flow Use junction control to dynamically allocate lane access to increase capacity and decrease time-dependent closures
Dynamic Lane Reversal Identify freeway/arterial emergency management, incident management, special events, and long-term congestion implications Determine optimal location for when and where strategy is implemented and associated movable barrier/proper signage needs Analyze how contraflow lanes impact traffic (i.e., increase throughput) at the corridor (arterial) and regional (freeway) level; requires coordination with police/roadway officials
Dynamic Lane-Use Control Identify predeployment infrastructure needs, perform cost analysis, plan for special events and long-term work zones Determine optimal locations for dynamic lane control signs mounted over traffic Analyze how lane utilization impacts traffic flow; often used with variable speed limits
Part-Time Shoulder Use Plan for incident management and managed lanes Determine optimal ingress/egress locations and signage Analyze traffic flow during peak periods, including how the shoulder traffic merges back into main lanes
Queue Warning Identify predeployment infrastructure needs, perform cost analysis Determine optimal locations for dynamic message signs Broadcast message to alert motorists to queues or significant speed reduction areas
Transit Signal Priority Identify predeployment infrastructure needs, perform cost analysis Determine design and location of transit stops, transit-only lanes Use transit signal priority to improve speed and reliability of transit service by giving preferential treatment at intersections
Variable Speed Limits Identify policy-related questions regarding speed reduction limits and time-of-day implementation Determine optimal locations for speed detectors Determine whether variable speed limits improve flow through corridor
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

Abbreviations and acronyms used without definitions in TRB publications:

A4A Airlines for America
AAAE American Association of Airport Executives
AASHO American Association of State Highway Officials
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
ACI–NA Airports Council International–North America
ACRP Airport Cooperative Research Program
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
APTA American Public Transportation Association
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ATA American Trucking Associations
CTAA Community Transportation Association of America
CTBSSP Commercial Truck and Bus Safety Synthesis Program
DHS Department of Homeland Security
DOE Department of Energy
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FAST Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (2015)
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FRA Federal Railroad Administration
FTA Federal Transit Administration
GHSA Governors Highway Safety Association
HMCRP Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Program
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
ISTEA Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991
ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers
MAP-21 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (2012)
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASAO National Association of State Aviation Officials
NCFRP National Cooperative Freight Research Program
NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NTSB National Transportation Safety Board
PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
RITA Research and Innovative Technology Administration
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
SAFETEA-LU Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (2005)
TCRP Transit Cooperative Research Program
TEA-21 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (1998)
TRB Transportation Research Board
TSA Transportation Security Administration
U.S. DOT United States Department of Transportation
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.

Image

Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 273
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 276
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 277
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 278
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 279
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 280
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 281
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 282
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 283
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 284
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 285
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 286
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
Page 287
Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: Planning and Evaluating ATM Checklists." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Active Traffic Management Strategies: A Planning and Evaluation Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/27871.
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