Spatial Interpolation–Based Localized Growth Factors Compared to Statewide, Regional-Level, and County-Level Growth Factors for Local Roads
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems
Volume 148, Issue 9
Abstract
The focus of this paper is on developing localized growth factors for estimating annual average daily traffic (AADT) of a local, functionally classified road (referred to herein as a local road). Statewide, regional-level, and county-level median and mean growth factors were computed and compared with localized growth factor estimates from spatial interpolation methods, such as Ordinary Kriging, inverse distance weighted (IDW), and natural neighbor (NN) interpolation. The use of Ordinary Kriging-based localized growth factor is recommended for a local road AADT estimation. If count-based local road AADT (c-AADT) figures for previous years are available, they, along with localized growth factors for those years, should be used to estimate the local road AADT (e-AADT) for the reporting year. The estimated AADT (e-AADT) for the base year and localized growth factors from the base year to the reporting year must be used for estimating e-AADT of a non-covered local road link for the reporting year. The c-AADT or e-AADT of the local road link can be used to compute vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for reporting purposes. The proposed methodology reduces the costs and other resources required for traffic data collection and for e-AADT accounting for spatial variations.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the research are available from the authors by request.
Acknowledgments
The paper is partially based on a research project conducted for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Special thanks are extended to Kent L. Taylor, Behshad M. Norowzi, Jamie L. Viera, Stephen P. Piotrowski, William S. Culpepper, Brian G. Murphy, and Lisa E. Penny of NCDOT; and Mike Bruff of Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) for providing excellent support, guidance and valuable inputs for successful completion of the project.
Disclaimer
The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) or the NCDOT. The authors are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of either UNC Charlotte, NCDOT or the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the time of publication. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems
Volume 148 • Issue 9 • September 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 17, 2021
Accepted: May 13, 2022
Published online: Jul 15, 2022
Published in print: Sep 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Dec 15, 2022
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