Traffic Operations & Technology
Speed Safety Camera Program
Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-110.5 identifies the use of automated vehicle identification systems (A.V.I.S.) as a statewide concern and an area in which uniform state standards are necessary. A.V.I.S. is a legal term for automated speed photo enforcement or the FHWA term for Speed Safety Cameras (https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures). CDOT is developing a program to deploy Speed Safety Cameras on state roadways in 2024.
Speed Management Program
With the publication of the 2023 MUTCD, CDOT has revamped its Speed Management Program to focus less on percentile speeds and incorporate factors including roadway environment, roadway characteristics, geographic context, reported crash experiences, speed distributions, and reviews of past studies. The Speed Management Program includes CDOT’s Field Regulatory Operations and Speed Management teams that gather field data to set speeds on state roadways.
Operations Evaluation
The Operations Evaluation is a holistic approach that encourages stakeholders to consider safety, operations, and technology elements early and throughout the project life-cycle. It is a critical element in CDOT projects because it ensures that we are providing the best products and services possible to the traveling public.
Model Traffic Code
Model Traffic Code for Colorado - Through the cooperative efforts of both state and local governments the “Model Traffic Code”, has been developed to make available a specimen set of uniform motor vehicle and traffic regulations that track state law. Local governments that adopt the Code by reference are cautioned not to make any changes or additions which are in conflict with state law. However, the adopting local governments are at liberty to delete any parts, articles, or sections which are deemed to be inapplicable. The 2024 Model Traffic Code was published by CDOT on April 26, 2024 and is available for use.
Traffic Forecasting and Analysis
CDOT has established guidelines to assist in the completion of traffic analysis and forecasting procedures on the State Highway System. The guidelines provide for consistent analyses statewide and were developed through an examination of Colorado's lessons learned and best practices, state-of-practice reviews across the Country, and existing FHWA resources. The guidelines provide guidance for key topics such as measures of effectiveness, data collection, scoping, tool selection, and specific forecasting and analysis methodologies. The guidelines will serve as a living document which evolves with the state of practice and CDOT's needs.
Download the current Traffic Analysis and Forecasting Guidelines
Variable Speed Limits
Variable Speed Limits (VSL) are speed limits that change based on road, traffic, and weather conditions to better reflect a safe traveling speed. Demonstrated applications and benefits of variable speed limits include:
Flow-Based Operations - Smoother traffic flow and less delay by proactively managing speed on congested roadways.
Work Zone – Reduced speed so that vehicles approach construction areas and pass-through work zones at safer speeds.
Weather Based Operations - VSL systems during inclement weather improve safety by decreasing the risks associated with traveling at speeds that are higher than appropriate for the conditions.
VSL corridors are being deployed with flow based and weather-based algorithms on the I-70 Corridor in Glenwood Canyon and on the I-70 Eastbound Peak Period Shoulder Lanes. Additional corridors on Wolf Creek Pass, Westbound Peak Period Shoulder Lane, and Eastbound I-70: Genesee to Wadsworth are under construction.
Managed Lane Guidelines
CDOT has established statewide guidelines for the evaluation of Managed Lanes. “Managed lanes” are defined as highway facilities or a set of lanes where operational strategies are proactively implemented and managed in response to changing conditions. The guidelines were developed in Policy Directive 1603.0 which requires managed lanes to be strongly considered during the planning and development of capacity improvements on state highway facilities. Within the guidelines, an evaluation level tool is provided to identify the appropriate level of analyses in a documented and consistent manner. A toolbox of managed lane strategies and performance measure targets are also provided to aid the planning and decision-making process.
(Updated Managed Lane Guidelines coming soon)
