MPO 101: Congestion-management process framed as operations-first toolbox for TMAs

Bob (Tempo/TTI staff) led an MPO 101 presentation on the Congestion Management Process (CMP), describing it as an objectives-driven, performance-based framework intended to identify and evaluate operational and strategic responses to recurring congestion.

Why it matters: federal regulations require a CMP for Transportation Management Areas (TMAs; areas with population over 200,000). The CMP helps agencies prioritize management-and-operations solutions, inform project selection in metropolitan transportation plans and the TIP, and provide a documented performance-monitoring system for certification reviews.

Bob outlined the CMP's typical steps: develop regional objectives tied to MTP goals; define a CMP network (segments and junctions in scope); collect data and monitor performance; identify and evaluate congestion problems; assemble a toolbox of strategies (signal timing, incident clearance, transit priority, TSMO approaches); implement and program selected strategies; and monitor effectiveness. He emphasized that federal rules prescribe goals and outcomes but do not mandate specific methods, so MPOs should tailor the approach to local conditions.

Speakers highlighted implementation details: agencies should match CMP updates to MTP refresh cycles and maintain ongoing monitoring (annual reporting was recommended by some participants). Barbara cautioned that TMA nonattainment areas should note additional CMP requirements in federal guidance. Participants discussed data sources (INRIX and similar providers), the cost of purchased datasets, and TxDOT's existing INRIX arrangement that may provide MPO access.

Bob recommended treating the CMP as a living, consultative process that prioritizes management and operations before capacity expansion where possible, and as a documented input for project selection and performance reporting.