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Caltrans updates managed-lanes deputy directive; plans revised HOV guidance and statewide master plan
Summary
Caltrans says it is revising the deputy directive on managed lanes to be less prescriptive, to emphasize corridor-by-corridor decisions, and to circulate a new draft to regional partners. The department also plans updates to HOV guidelines and a statewide Managed Lanes Master Plan.
Joe Rouss, Caltrans's statewide managed lanes manager, told the Transportation Commission on April 9 that the department is revising a deputy directive on managed lanes after receiving extensive feedback from regional partners.
Rouss described managed lanes as freeway lanes that are actively managed by eligibility, access control or pricing (including HOV, HOT and express toll lanes). He said a first draft circulated last year raised concerns from regional partners about whether Caltrans would implement pricing without local input and how revenue-sharing proposals could affect financing.
"Developing and operating managed lanes is a collaborative effort," Rouss said. He said updated guidance will emphasize corridor-by-corridor decisions and make clear that revenues first cover financing, operations and maintenance of a tolled facility; any excess is intended for corridor reinvestment. Caltrans noted it reserves the right to operate priced lanes on the state highway system but intends to negotiate with regional partners on how revenues are used.
Caltrans intends to publish a revised deputy directive for regional review, update HOV guidelines (the current guidance is about 10 years old), and prepare a Managed Lanes Master Plan that inventories regional projects, identifies gaps and examines operational consistency issues such as occupancy thresholds and connectivity.
Commissioners raised consistency and user-experience concerns. Commissioner Madaffer urged recognising regional differences and the role of self-help counties; Commissioner Gilmetti called for statewide consistency in standards, hours of operation and design; Vice Chair Dunn urged attention to customers and cross-region continuity. Caltrans responded that the revised directive will provide a consistent starting point while retaining flexibility for corridor-specific arrangements.
Ending: Caltrans will circulate an updated deputy directive and pursue a statewide master plan and HOV-guideline update; staff will share revised draft language with regional partners for comment.
