A MODEL TO CALCULATE DELAY SAVINGS FOR HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. INTERIM REPORT

This report presents a computerized delay savings model which can be used to calculate the delay savings resulting from an improvement of an existing highway facility. The delay savings come as a result of the increased average speed along the improved facility, which is converted into dollars of delay savings, calculated for each year through a 20-year planning horizon, and discounted to the present. The model also calculates a delay savings ratio, which is the ratio of the total discounted delay savings and the estimated construction cost. The ratio measures the amount of delay savings per dollar construction cost. These delay savings ratios are then ranked, with the highest being first and the others following in order. The cumulative construction cost is also shown so that if a specific budget amount is available, the projects with the highest delay savings ratios within that budget can be identified. The model incorporates recent data concerning the relationship between average speeds and hourly traffic volumes for several facility types. The model provides a quick and simple method to compute delay savings and compare projects on that basis.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Study Title: A Delay Based Method of Highway Project Evaluation
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transportation

  Transportation Planning Division, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Memmott, J L
  • Buffington, J L
• Publication Date: 1983-10

Media Info

• Pagination: 115 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction; Costs; Highways; Improvements; Mathematical models; Savings; Traffic delays; Traffic speed; Traffic volume
• Uncontrolled Terms: Construction costs
• Subject Areas: Construction; Economics; Finance; Highways; Society; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00457056
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-84/25+327-1, Res Rpt 327-1
• Contract Numbers: Study No. 2-8-82-327
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 27 2004 9:38PM