Estimate Travel Time Savings for Transportation Improvement Projects

Travel time savings is one input of the SHIFT benefit-cost measure. It is the difference in travel times before and after an improvement project, evaluated over a 10-year period. Currently, travel demand models are used to estimate travel time savings for major improvement projects. For projects on a smaller scale, empirical equations capturing the relationship between travel time index and volume-to-service flow ratio have been used. These equations are developed based on data from count stations that have limited geographic coverage. This project will use speed data to calibrate and validate models for capacity and travel time estimations of Kentucky highways. Developed models should be sensitive enough to capture the impact of highway improvement projects at various scales and incorporate the latest methodologies. This study will update SHIFT 2020’s methods to estimate travel time savings. Existing tools, such as the VSF calculator and the adapted HERS speed model, will be further calibrated and validated. Sensitivity analysis will be performed to evaluate the fitness of models for project evaluation, especially of smaller projects. The expected product is a tool that produces estimated travel time savings based on proposed highway improvements.

    Language

    • English

    Project

    • Status: Completed
    • Funding: $125000
    • Contract Numbers:

      KYSPR 20-597

    • Sponsor Organizations:

      Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

      200 Mero Street
      Frankfort, KY  United States  40622
    • Performing Organizations:

      University of Kentucky, Lexington

      Kentucky Transportation Center College of Engineering, 176 Raymond Building
      Lexington, KY  United States  40506-0281
    • Principal Investigators:

      Chen, Mei

    • Start Date: 20190701
    • Expected Completion Date: 20210630
    • Actual Completion Date: 0

    Subject/Index Terms

    Filing Info

    • Accession Number: 01711194
    • Record Type: Research project
    • Source Agency: University of Kentucky, Lexington
    • Contract Numbers: KYSPR 20-597
    • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
    • Created Date: Jul 17 2019 1:37PM