Evaluating Unplanned Stand-Alone Transportation Projects: Linking Incremental and Comprehensive Planning
Publication: Journal of Urban Planning and Development
Volume 136, Issue 4
Abstract
Transportation agencies may review proposed projects that were not examined as part of the long range planning process. Typically, these projects require an immediate response and lack detailed data. This paper describes a methodology to assess such unplanned or “stand-alone” transportation projects and applies it to two case studies: a large development involving several major new highway sections and a pedestrian crossing of a four-lane arterial bisecting residential and commercial areas. The methodology specifies the trade-offs and uncertainties of the proposed stand-alone projects. For example, adding phasing to an existing signal resulted in a lower capital cost, and a lower feasibility of pedestrian use, than constructing an overpass. Yet, neither alternative assures crash risk is minimized because the extent of pedestrian compliance with traffic laws is not known. The outcome is thus a timely clarification of each alternative’s advantages which can be compared to existing policies. Limitations are the availability of site-specific knowledge, the willingness to articulate difficult choices that are clarified by this work, and the feasibility of fully considering cumulative impacts. However, by formalizing the analysis of stand-alone projects, the methodology strengthens the link between such incremental decision making and comprehensive long range planning.
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Acknowledgments
This paper benefited from the contributions of the following individuals: Shannon Cotulla, John Giometti, Michael Gray, Robin Grier, Emily Hartman, John Huston, Jeff Kessler, Ann Kirchman, Paul Kraucunas, Claudia Llana, Dan Lysy, Robert Moore, Cheryl Reints, Eric Stringfield, Thomas VanPoole, Eric Vogel, Bradley Weidenhammer, and three anonymous reviewers. Graphics and editing assistance were provided by Randy Combs and Linda Evans.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Urban Planning and Development
Volume 136 • Issue 4 • December 2010
Pages: 320 - 329
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: May 29, 2009
Accepted: Mar 16, 2010
Published online: Mar 24, 2010
Published in print: Dec 2010
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