NCHRP Implementation Support Program. Implementing Scenario Planning Across Transportation Agencies
State departments of transportation (DOTs) face a complex landscape, complicated by challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring a careful balance between long-term planning and immediate operational needs. Since 2004, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has actively supported agencies by developing tools and reports such as VisionEval and scenario planning guidebooks. Additionally, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) highlighted the need for agility and preparedness by organizing scenario planning conferences in 2016 and 2022, underscoring the importance of being ready for disruptions. Numerous National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) research efforts have contributed to preparedness, focusing on scenario planning, including: NCHRP Project 08-36/Task 113, "The Future of Transportation Planning in State DOTs" NCHRP Project 08-36/Task 145, "Scenario Planning Lite" NCHRP Project 08-93, "Managing Risk Across the Enterprise: A Guidebook for State Departments of Transportation" NCHRP Project 20-126 (01), "Programmatic Issues of Future System Performance" NCHRP Project 08-154, "Guidance for Agencies to Incorporate Uncertainty into Long-Range Transportation Planning" Despite the availability of resources, the adoption of scenario planning has been slow, largely due to a lack of expertise, capacity, and executive focus. These gaps hinder the effective navigation of the rapidly changing transportation landscape. Moreover, state DOTs face challenges in keeping pace with these changes, highlighting the growing importance of scenario planning. However, there is a significant opportunity to implement a robust strategy that promotes the adoption of scenario planning and agile decision-making, both essential for connecting communities and addressing evolving transportation needs. This strategy should focus on senior leadership, management, and operations, providing comprehensive and accessible resources along with technical support to build capacity within agencies. By engaging agencies directly, the strategy will address key disruptions such as workforce challenges, capital preservation, and technological change. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop targeted activities and resources that will facilitate improved decision-making and encourage greater adoption of scenario planning methods by state DOTs.
- Record URL:
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Supplemental Notes:
- Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.
Language
- English
Project
- Funding: $360000
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Contract Numbers:
Project 20-44(57)
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Sponsor Organizations:
National Cooperative Highway Research Program
Transportation Research Board
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC United States 20001American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
444 North Capitol Street, NW
Washington, DC United States 20001Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Project Managers:
Mohan, Sid
- Start Date: 20241021
- Expected Completion Date: 0
- Actual Completion Date: 0
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Forecasting; Implementation; State departments of transportation; Transportation planning
- Subject Areas: Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General);
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01909145
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
- Contract Numbers: Project 20-44(57)
- Files: TRB, RIP
- Created Date: Feb 21 2024 7:45PM