Urban Arterial Planning and Analysis

Microcomputers and associated software are providing tremendous opportunities for the public works engineer in the analysis and evaluation of transportation projects. In particular, a wealth of software is available for evaluating urban arterial improvements in both the long term and the short term, and in establishing project priorities. Microcomputer software exists for project‐level traffic forecasting, traffic operations project analysis, and the prioritization of projects. For project‐level traffic forecasting, a microcomputer package, simplified project forecasting (SPF), provides a cost‐effective procedure for determining future traffic estimates on urban arterials. Several packages exist for traffic operations project analysis. These include: signal operation analysis package (SOAP‐84); progression analysis and signal system evaluation routine (PASSER); highway capacity manual—signalized and unsignalized intersections; and queue work zone (QUEWZ) impacts. The needs inventory system (NIS) provides a useful package for identifying deficient arterials and prioritizing candidate improvement projects. These packages greatly enhance the ability of the public works engineer to evaluate urban arterial projects.