INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL REPORT LOW VOLUME ROADS

A common thought throughout the papers and discussions was that engineers must design low-volume roads from a point of view different from that used in the design of high-volume roads. A primary concern was that techniques should be developed for designing low-wolume facilities with a minimum of effort and, certainly, in most cases with the use of most meager data. Computers can be used to great advantage in designing all classes of roads, including those that carry low traffic volumes. A major theme presented at the workshop was the need to concentrate on the matter of economics. Throughout the sessions, the concept of design by using simplified but reasonable techniques constantly reappeared. Economic and environmental considerations make it imperative for the engineer to assume concomitant constraints in design. Most discussions dealt with the need for continued research in the area of low-volume roads. It was emphasized and reemphasized that low-volume roads are unique. They require design concepts that are at variance in certain respects with design of high-volume facilities. Seventy-five percent of the roadways in the nation can be characterized as low-volume roads, and the need to revitalize this long-neglected system is ever increasing while the funds and resources for doing so are decreasing. Criteria for design appropriate to the restraints need to be developed. The consensus of the Workshop on Low-Volume Roads was that a continuing activity should be undertaken by the Transportation Research Board with the objectives of developing information, providing an information exchange forum, and disseminating the findings in such a manner as to be most productive toweard an early solution to this pressing problem.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0360859X
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Proceedings of a work shop held June 16-19, 1975, in Boise, Idaho by the Transportation Research Board.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board (TRB)

  Washington, DC   
• Authors:
  • Yoder, Eldon J
• Publication Date: 1975

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Pagination: pp 1-6
• Monograph Title: Low-volume roads: proceedings of a workshop held June 16-19, 1975, in Boise, Idaho
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Board Special Report
  • Issue Number: 160
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0360-859X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer programs; Design methods; Economic factors; Information dissemination; Low volume roads; Research
• Old TRIS Terms: Economic considerations
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Design; Economics; Highways; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00142686
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 1 1977 12:00AM