MPC
Research Projects (2005-06)
Identifying Number
MPC-263
Project Title
Traffic Operations in Small Urban and Rural Areas
University
North Dakota State UniversityProject Investigator
Ayman Smadi
North Dakota State University
(701)231-8101
ayman.smadi@ndsu.edu
External Project Contact
Shelley Row, ITE
Project Objective
Identify high priority small urban and rural areas traffic operations needs. Learn from and apply successful practices tested in the larger urban areas. Develop a resource of technical information and training opportunities that targets traffic operations professionals in small urban and rural areas. Provide a forum for them to network and share information.
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.
The purpose of this initiative is to create a comprehensive traffic 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. The concept is to develop a tailored resource from largely existing successful traffic operations tools and which recognizes the unique needs and challenges of small urban and rural areas.
Task Descriptions
- Form technical committee.
- Identify needs and assess issues to drive initiative activities. High priority information and training topics and best ways to deliver
- Conduct pilot demonstration (DOTs, cities, counties)
- Measure successes.
Milestones, Dates
Starting Date: July 1, 2005
Ending Date: June 30, 2006
Yearly and Total Budget
$38,078
Student Involvement
N/A
Relationship to Other Research Projects
N/A
Technology Transfer Activities
Document or paper describing small urban and rural area operations needs. As part of the pilot, assemble a forum of traffic operations professionals in small urban and rural areas: provide information in the form of papers/reports/presentations, provide tools and tips on using tools and getting supporting data, and provide a discussion list (or part of a dedicated web page). An evaluation report or paper that can be used for refining the initiative and identifying future steps.
Potential Benefits of the Project
Enhance traffic operations in small urban and rural areas by supporting professionals responsible for operations through the development of a resource for relevant knowledge, technical expertise, and focused training.
TRB Keywords
Traffic operations
