To: DISTRICT DIVISION CHIEFS - Operations Date: July 31, 2000

DISTRICT DIVISION CHIEFS - Design

DISTRICT DIVISION CHIEFS - Planning

Subject: Ramp Metering Policy on High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Preferential Lanes

The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify and re-affirm the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) policy on HOV preferential lanes at ramp meter locations. Caltrans is committed to its current policy: An HOV preferential lane shall be provided at all ramp meter locations.

The January 2000 edition of the Ramp Meter Design Manual now addresses the circumstances under which exceptions to this policy may be warranted. See ‘Modifications to Existing HOV Preferential Lanes’ located in Section ‘I’ of Chapter One:

• Underutilization of an existing lane plus the need for additional right-of-way for storage
• The availability of an alternate HOV entrance ramp within 2 Km
• The availability of a direct HOV access (drop) ramp

Exceptions shall be handled on a location-by-location basis. Conversions may require Federal Highway Administration actions or concurrence. The District Division Chief for Operations, in consultation with the Headquarters Traffic Operations Liaison, is responsible for approving and documenting decisions to remove HOV preferential lanes. These policies and exceptions also apply to new and reconstruction projects. Districts should refer to the "Exception to Ramp Metering Policy" located in the Appendix of the Ramp Meter Design Manual or contact your Headquarters Traffic Operations Liaison for assistance.

KIM NYSTROM

Program Manager

Traffic Operations

c: Mr. Robert Buckley

Program Manager

Design and Local Programs

Ms. Joan Sollenberger

Program Manager

Transportation Planning

GThomas:ir

bc: KNystrom

RCopp

DSaia

GThomas

AKennedy

PJang

JChampa

RSanchez

Traffic Operations