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21st century operations using 21st century technologies

Asset Management for Operations

Program Areas > Creating a Foundation for 21st Century Operations
Two workers fixing a stoplight with one in a cherry picker. Source: Guidelines for Transportation Management Systems Maintenance Concept and Plans, Chapter 3

Implementing technology-based strategies, such as traffic signals and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), has been proven effective in improving traffic flow and mobility for users of the transportation system. Like all physical assets, however, it is critical for transportation agencies to consider how to best maintain the technology infrastructure in the most cost-effective manner. Applying the principles of asset management can help agencies maintain a state of good repair for the technology they deploy.


With the emergence of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), TSMO plans, and Transportation Asset Management Plans (TAMPs), there are new opportunities for advancing both operations and asset management. Below are initial resources that provide an overview of applying asset management to various operations devices.

TSMO assets in TAMPs

While the current TAMPs only require pavements and bridges on the National Highway System (NHS), some State DOTs have included other assets. Below is a list of current TAMPs that include TSMO assets.

Asset Management in TSMO Plans

Another way that some states have collaborated between TSMO and Asset Management is in their TSMO Plans. Below is a sampling of State DOT TSMO plans that have incorporated various elements of asset management.

Traffic Signals

  • Applying Transportation Asset Management to Traffic Signals: A Primer (HTML, PDF 3.8 MB, Webinar)

  • Elements of a Comprehensive Signals Asset Management System (HTML, PDF 878KB)
  • Improving Traffic Signal Management and Operations: A Basic Service Model  (HTML, PDF 284KB)
  • Signal Systems Asset Management State-of-the-Practice Review (HTML, PDF 1.06MB)
  • Traffic Signal Operations and Maintenance Staffing Guidelines (HTML, PDF 821KB)

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

  • Applying Transportation Asset Management to Intelligent Transportation Systems: A Primer (HTML, PDF 4.9 MB, Webinar)
  • Performance Measures and Health Index of ITS Assets (PDF 5.7 MB, Webinar)
  • The Evolution of ITS in Transportation Asset Management (HTML, PDF 645KB)
  • Asset Management Practices for ITS Infrastructure (HTML, PDF 707KB)

Traffic Management Systems (TMS)

General Asset Management Resources

Contact Us

For more information about Asset Management for Operations, please contact:

Joe Gregory
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Office of Operations
Telephone: 202-366-0610
Joseph.Gregory@dot.gov

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