Sustainability Enhancement Tool for State Departments of Transportation Using Performance Measurement
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 6
Abstract
The goal of this paper was to develop a performance measurement–based approach for transportation agencies, such as state departments of transportation, to evaluate and enhance sustainability. This research proposes a performance measurement–based framework and evaluation methodology for sustainable transportation, linked to agency strategic planning goals. The methodology was applied and tested for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This sustainability enhancement methodology is implemented within the highway-corridor planning process. The research identified 12 performance measures, including measures of congestion, safety, alternative modes, and air quality, to address the goals and objectives in TxDOT’s strategic plan. The multiattribute utility theory (MAUT) decision-making approach was applied to quantify and normalize the selected performance measures and calculate sustainability index values for current and predicted future corridor conditions. This paper also presents the results from a pilot application of the methodology for a section of US-281 in San Antonio, Texas. The findings made it possible to identify specific performance measures and specific portions of the corridor that needed improvement to enhance the overall sustainability. This research provides a useful tool to assess the relative sustainability of transportation corridors now and in the future.
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Acknowledgments
This paper was based on research performed for TxDOT under the department’s cooperative research program. The authors thank the following individuals from TxDOT that contributed to this project: Janie Temple, Duncan Stewart, Mary Perez, Loretta Brown, Bob Appleton, and Eduardo Calvo. The authors also thank the following researchers for their contributions: Bill Eisele, David Schrank, Ming-Han Li, Bob Brydia, Jeremy Johnson, Jae Su Lee, Steve Venglar, Dale Picha, Phillip Reeder, and Duane Rosa.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 6 • June 2011
Pages: 404 - 415
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 4, 2009
Accepted: Dec 21, 2010
Published online: May 16, 2011
Published in print: Jun 1, 2011
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