State of the Non-operations Based Research of Hard Shoulder Running

Hard Shoulder Running (HSR) is an operationally focused active traffic management strategy to optimize the utilization of the roadway, specifically the shoulder portion of the roadway geometry. Roadway networks needs to be more sustainable by utilizing its full capacity before using more materials to construct an expanded roadway. The understanding of the operational benefits has been the focus of much HSR research as it is an operational focused Active Traffic Management (ATM) strategy. Before HSR can be utilized, its effects on safety and the pavement structure on the shoulder need to be understood. While it has been found to improve the road operation, it must be safe and structurally sound. This paper provides a literature review of the HSR research that analyzed the safety effects and the pavement performance effects. HSR is a quality strategy that can reduce congestion, car emissions, and paved lane use requirements through improved traffic flow.