The objectives of this research project are to investigate the complex and interrelated issues surrounding the safe and efficient operation of managed lanes using various operating strategies and to develop a managed lanes manual to help the Texas Department of Transportation make informed planning, design, and operational decisions when considering these facilities for its jurisdiction. This document presents three years of research in the form of a draft manual for managed lanes. It includes three chapters in draft form, which include a guide to the manual, an introduction to managed lanes, and design. This document includes research in a usable format, providing a clear, concise, and step-wise approach to planning designing, operating, and enforcing a managed lanes facility. It also refers the user to other pertinent documents which provide additional detailed information on various aspects of managed lanes.

This synthesis will be of interest to transportation planners, highway engineers, environmental personnel, highway design engineers, transit planners, highway administrators, and others concerned with the planning, design, and operational features of preferential high- occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on highways. Information is provided on the current and proposed state of the practice in North America. This synthesis describes the state of the art with respect to preferential treatment for HOVs on highways. This report of the Transportation Research Board provides information on long-distance facilities, such as barrier-separated, concurrent-flow (separated and nonseparated), and contraflow facilities, as well as on short-distance facilities, such as queue by-pass lanes. Planning, design, and operational features of each treatment are described. The issues and operating results are described, and specific case studies are included.

The objectives of this project are to investigate the complex and interrelated issues surrounding the safe and efficient operation of managed lanes using various operating strategies and to develop a managed lanes manual to help the Texas Department of Transportation make informed planning, design, and operational decisions when considering these facilities for its jurisdiction. This document summarizes the activities of the first three years of this multiyear project, highlights the accomplishments to date, provides a status report of efforts underway, and outlines planned activities for the coming year.