MPC
Research Projects (2006-07)

Identifying Number

MPC-266

Project Title

Small Urban and Rural Transportation

University

North Dakota State University

Project Investigator

Ayman Smadi, NDSU
ayman.smadi@ndsu.edu

External Project Contact

Steve Clinger, FHWA

Project Objective

Phase 2's main objectives include: disseminating transportation operations needs/issues, developing knowledge areas to address high priority needs, establish small urban and rural transportation operation Help Desk, develop and deliver training, and measure success.

Project Abstract

Small urban and rural areas account for about 42 percent of the U.S. population. These areas lack the resources required to adequately support transportation system operations. They often lack the benefits of traffic engineers, sophisticated models, or the latest technologies. Yet, many of these areas continue to experience significant growth which strains their limited transportation resources and increases traffic congestion and delays. These areas play an integral role in connecting larger communities and business centers. Recently, large-scale emergency evacuations have revealed significant problems in small urban and rural areas' abilities to withstand diverted traffic from the urban population centers.

The purpose of this initiative is to create a comprehensive transportation operations resource for professionals in small urban and rural communities to obtain training; access technical information and tools; and share ideas, solutions, and expertise with their peers. Phase 1 of this project established a national technical committee as part of the National Transportation Operations Coalition (NTOC). A broad assessment of transportation operations needs and issues was also carried out in Phase 1. The results of the assessment will guide activities for Phase 2.

Task Descriptions

1. Develop a concise and easy to use definition of Transportation Operations specific to the small urban and rural communities. (October 31, 2006)
2. Identify transportation operations case studies. (November 30, 2006)
   1. Develop best practices and lesson learned.
3. Develop a funding guide for operational activities in small urban and rural communities. (March 31, 2007)
4. Provide guidance to analysis/decision tools that could be used to support operations strategies (and demonstrate the benefits of these strategies). (July 31, 2007)
5. Start a discussion list on SURTOC web page. (October 31, 2007)

Milestones, Dates

Starting Date: July 1, 2006
Ending Date: June 30, 2007

Yearly and Total Budget

$107,455

Student Involvement

N/A

Relationship to Other Research Projects

N/A

Technology Transfer Activities

1. Help Desk for knowledge sharing, training, and networking among transportation operations professionals in small urban and rural areas.
2. Internet web page with a discussion group.
3. Newsletter focusing on hot transportation operations issues for small urban and rural areas.
4. Report:
   1. Documenting high priority issues/needs
   2. Evaluating effective information and training delivery mechanisms

Potential Benefits of the Project

1. Provide FHWA with information on high priority transportation operations issues and needs, as well as effective delivery mechanisms.
2. Provide small urban and rural communities with transportation operations tools.
3. Provide MPC universities with potential research opportunities to address high priority transportation operations needs in small urban and rural areas.

TRB Keywords

Transportation Operations, Small Urban, Rural