Speaking

As transportation agencies face growing congestion, constrained funding and increasing public expectations, innovative solutions are needed to better connect people safely, reliably and efficiently to the places that matter. Part-Time Shoulder Use, or SmartLane as branded in Ohio, represents a promising Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategy that unlocks new possibilities by leveraging existing infrastructure to address peak-period congestion without the cost and disruption of traditional widening projects.

This presentation examines Ohio’s first implemented SmartLane corridor along I-670 in Columbus, a critical urban connection linking downtown, the regional freeway network and John Glenn Columbus International Airport. While SmartLanes offer clear operational benefits, concerns persist regarding safety, particularly related to reduced lateral clearance, driver behavior and operating conditions when shoulders are converted to travel lanes. Using before-and-after crash data from a corridor that has been operational long enough to allow meaningful evaluation, this session provides rare, data-driven insight into the real-world safety performance of SmartLanes.

The analysis compares crash frequency, severity and time-of-day trends before and after implementation, including periods when the SmartLane is active. Results demonstrate substantial reductions in total crashes and serious injuries, particularly during peak operating hours, while also highlighting the importance of targeted countermeasures, operational controls and corridor screening. Lessons learned from design, construction and operations, including ITS placement, variable speed strategies, camera coverage and geometric considerations, are shared to help agencies better connect policy, engineering and operations. Attendees will gain practical insights to inform future SmartLane planning, design and implementation as agencies nationwide explore smarter ways to move people and goods.