Texas Highway Opens Shoulders to Drivers—Congestion Disappears

An experiment in Irving on SH 161 is defying the rules of induced demand, but not by building new lanes.

1 minute read

April 18, 2016, 9:00 AM PDT

"State Highway 161 drivers who once sat log-jammed at a frustrating chokepoint in Irving started sailing through a three-mile stretch of highway immediately after the Texas Department of Transportation opened up inside shoulders to rush-hour motorists," reports Brandon Formby.

According to newly released data, "traffic speeds on the freeway between State Highways 183 and 114 more than doubled after TxDOT started letting drivers use the shoulders during rush hour" on September 14, 2015.

The article includes more details on the mechanics of the TxDOT's approach to traffic congestion in this example, as well discussion fo the possibility that the idea could be exported to other locations around Texas.

FULL STORY: Once TxDOT opened up SH 161 shoulders, traffic started sailing

Thursday, April 14, 2016 in The Dallas Morning News

Transportation Texas Irving SH 161 Induced Demand Cars on Shoulders Highways Congestion Texas Department of Transportation View More

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