Identification of Metrics Used for Varying Levels of Traffic Analysis

This project was completed to support the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) as it actively pursues the most appropriate metrics for transportation projects decision making. The goal of this research project was to identify the state-of-the-practice performance metrics currently employed by state agencies across various transportation projects. To achieve the research goal, the MTI team surveyed stakeholders—including federal, state, and local agency staff and private-sector professionals—who have experience with various transportation projects and associated project decisions and performance evaluation. From the survey results, the MTI team produced a metrics flowchart that documents the current performance metrics used in three stages: (1) Feasibility and Planning, (2) Design and Construction, and (3) Maintenance and Operations. Within those stages, six different categories—Mobility, Reliability, Safety, Environment, Socio-economic, and Recreation—were evaluated. At the Feasibility and Planning stage, performance metrics were listed under each project type. Metrics that were more frequently used in practice based on the survey responses were listed at the top of the decision chart. One key finding is that equity, multimodal, and vulnerable roadway user metrics are consistently missing from the breadth of metrics used. The focus of vehicle-based metrics could lean decision makers to advance projects that are not necessarily supportive of other modes.

• Record URL:
  https://www.roads.maryland.gov/OPR_Research/MD-21_SHAUM5-24_Traffic-Operations-Analysis_Report.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/56627
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsoring Agency Code (7120) STMD - MDOT/SHA
• Corporate Authors:

  Maryland Transportation Institute

  University of Maryland
  College Park, MD  United States  20742

  Maryland Department of Transportation

  State Highway Administration, Office of Policy and Research
  707 North Calvert Street
  Baltimore, MD  United States  21202
• Authors:
  • Xiong, Chenfeng
  • Yang, Mofeng
  • Lee, Minha
  • Zhang, Lei
• Publication Date: 2021-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures;
• Pagination: 29p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Best practices; Construction; Design; Feasibility analysis; Highway maintenance; Highway operations; Metrics (Quantitative assessment); Performance measurement; Surveys
• Identifier Terms: Maryland Department of Transportation
• Geographic Terms: Maryland
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01777946
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SHA/UM/4-18
• Contract Numbers: SPR20B4N
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 27 2021 4:00PM