ALDOT Statewide TSMO Program Plan ALDOT Statewide TSMO Program Plan 20190522REV | Page 18

coordination, it is important that TSMO be viewed as an “integrated set of strategies,” per FHWA, that
can be combined to achieve greater performance for the system as a whole.
The integration of TSMO can occur at multiple levels, as defined by FHWA:
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System – Implementing and combining strategies as a corridor or region matures in needs.
Technical – Developing a framework used to support information sharing between
technology deployed on the system.
Cultural – Developing a workforce that values and prioritizes the use of TSMO solutions
across multiple disciplines.
Operational – Coordinating day-to-day operational strategies so that corridor, region, or
systemwide objectives are achieved.
Institutional – Incorporating TSMO policies and processes into an agency's normal way of
doing business. This step includes TSMO integration with various disciplines, such as
planning, program management and design, to support long-term goals for the
transportation system. This can be applied both internally and externally. 1
This integration will require a multipronged approach across all levels of ALDOT and ALDOT decision-
making processes. The regional and statewide stakeholders who provided input for this plan
overwhelmingly stated the need for better integration and collaboration. There were many discussions
about the loss of opportunities and efficiencies because the right people were not involved with a task
early enough or at the correct stages. The need for TSMO to be integrated throughout process driven
decision making is critical, such that inclusion is not dependent upon champions, but rather supported
and encouraged by the Department. Specific concerns were discussed relative to ALDOT’s current
construction process and that early involvement of regional TSMO representation is recommended.
In addition to internal-facing integration, ALDOT must also seek to integrate TSMO strategies through
partnerships with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs), local
jurisdictions or municipalities, private businesses, or other stakeholders to ensure coordinated plans and
deployments. Another critical element of TSMO integration will be for ALDOT representatives to begin to
build external TSMO awareness by presenting TSMO-related topics and information at ALDOT-sponsored
and professional organization events. This external communication and integration effort should include
events that are both TSMO and non-TSMO focused meetings to further promote TSMO complementary
nature to more traditional solutions as well as presentations to elected officials the state legislature to
foster their support and understanding of TSMO and its benefits.
The following actionable recommendations are provided to integrate TSMO into current procedures and
processes.
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