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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Aligning Geometric Design with Roadway Context</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2600545</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Since 1984, AASHTO’s A Policy on the Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (the “Green Book”) and other roadway design criteria have been primarily based on a functional classification system of a hierarchical network composed of arterials, collector, and local roads. This classification was further assigned by an urban or rural designation. This system is described in detail in Highway Functional Classification Concepts, Criteria, and Procedures (FHWA-PL-13-026). The objective of this research is to draft Part IV (Facility Design in Context) of the proposed eighth edition of the Green Book (GB8), using a consistent structure for the context chapters and drawing content from the Green Book and research-based sources. This material should be suitable for direct use in a future project to develop the GB8, although the development of Parts I-III may prompt changes. One of the major changes is Part IV that will build upon the context classes in NCHRP Research Report 855 and Chapter 1 of the Green Book, seventh edition. Some of the reasons for this addition are: (1) The context classes better delineate the needs of all users of the roadway and provide a linkage to the land use. (2) The context class of the road will often influence design decisions more than the functional class of the road. (3) This approach better reflects the state of the practice and emerging design issues, including context-sensitive design, livable communities, practical design, and complete streets. (4) This organization could reduce redundancies in the existing Green Book text while also allowing more specificity in recommendations for design solutions and evaluation of tradeoffs. (5) These chapters should promote consistency in how these context classes are defined and applied across the United States. (6) The reorganization will allow a fresh look at the content of the Green Book and help identify areas for improvement. Research is needed to determine how the current design guidance in the Green Book and other good sources can be reorganized by context class. Production of the GB8 will be done in a larger, subsequent effort.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:52:49 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>A Context-Sensitive Street Classification Framework For Speed Limit Setting</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2229144</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Historically, speed limit setting (SLS) procedures in many states have relied on driver-behavior-based approaches such as the 85th percentile speed. Researchers, however, have identified several shortcomings, including that drivers underestimate their speeds, issues with speed creep, and the lack of consideration for vulnerable road users. States can move towards a context-sensitive approach to SLS by developing a street classification framework that includes context. New Zealand provides a leading example with its SLS procedure that uses a street category framework based on the Movement and Place principle. We will develop a US street category framework for SLS using objective, publicly available datasets that capture functional classification (movement) and variables associated with vulnerable road user activity (place), such as land use mix, population density, job density, urban/rural designation, and transit access. We will perform a pilot study of 5 geographically diverse states to categorize the streets on their road networks based on the Movement and Place principle. The research will include a best practice literature review, GIS data preparation and linking, application of classification methods, validation of classification, and reporting.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:01:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2229144</guid>
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      <title>NCHRP Implementation Support Program. Developing Training Materials to Implement Context Classifications</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2134771</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The seventh edition of AASHTO’s A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (Green Book) introduces a broader set of land use classifications for state transportation officials. NCHRP Project 15-72, “Identification of AASHTO Context Classifications” developed practical information to help state, regional, and local practitioners identify the appropriate context classification(s) for an area or a transportation project. Critical questions were (1) what are the context(s), (2) how will the context(s) change spatially and temporally, and (3) what are the implications for the various travel modes. The final report was published as NCHRP Research Report 1022: Context Classification Application: A Guide.

Additionally, NCHRP Project 20-68A, Scan 21-02, "Leading Approaches to Implementing Context-Based Classification of Roadways in Planning and Design” describes the experiences of states implementing the context classifications. The scan’s focus was to identify best practices and lessons learned that may be valuable to others working on implementing context-based classification. 

Applying context classifications to benefit all users may seem complex to those who haven’t applied them previously. State departments of transportation (DOTs) need training materials and resources to support this.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop training materials and resources for nationwide implementation of context classifications by state DOTs. These materials should be flexible enough to integrate context classifications with different processes at multiple state DOTs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:36:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2134771</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Defining Appropriate Design and Accommodation Thresholds for Active Transportation in a Context-Driven Approach</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957087</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A common approach used in transportation design is to set minimum accommodations or guidelines, such as a minimum width, for a sidewalk or bikeway. Such guidelines provide for a basic level of infrastructure quality in cases where they are applied. The concept is also used at the planning level; for example, some Complete Streets policies specify minimum accommodations for pedestrians and bicycles. However, the minimum accommodations are frequently used as the default or preferred width in all cases, even though these widths often do not provide a level and quality that will significantly increase the use of walking, bicycling, and rolling, particularly among all types of users and in areas where greater walking, bicycling, and rolling activity is possible. Research is needed on the design flexibility and the different levels of accommodation recommended for different contexts and roadway types.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop an active transportation guide and tool (or tools) that provide a decision-making framework for the adoption and implementation of supportive active transportation infrastructure and design ranges that provide better safety, comfort, and accessibility while still serving all surface transportation users and functions.

The deliverables are expected to include: Performance criteria and qualitative, quantitative, and/or surrogate measures used in decision-making regarding the application of different active transportation design; Ranges of active transportation design values and other accommodations; Succinct communication materials targeting different audiences, such as executive offices, planning and design professionals, and members of the general public. The use of creative design and graphics is encouraged; A conduct of research report that describes and documents the full research project; and An implementation plan focused on the practitioner that markets and encourages adoption of the products of this research, including training materials, opportunities to present material in conferences and other venues, and potential opportunities for integration into industry design standards and guides.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2022 16:37:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957087</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>333-FIT. Onboard Context-Sensitive Informational System</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532772</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2018 11:41:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532772</guid>
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