Advanced training for traffic operators: a focus on identifying and solving advanced transportation management and operation problems

This thesis is a summary of work performed by the Utah Traffic Lab (UTL) to design an advanced training program that develops the knowledge, skills, and ability of traffic operators to identify and solve advanced traffic management and operation problems encountered at Traffic Operations Centers (TOC). It supports incident management instruction at the highest level and utilizes the advantages of traffic operators who work 24/7 and continually monitor the traffic network through closed circuit television. The thesis explains who is qualified to receive the advanced training program. The specific curriculum containing courses on advanced traffic operation techniques, geometric design, and traffic flow is proposed. The method to measure performance through assessment and evaluation for the advanced training program is also presented. The advanced training program is an effective method to train operators to identify and solve advanced transportation management and operation problems.