Research for the AASHTO Committee on Environment and Sustainability. Task 96. Quick Reference Guide for Traffic Modelers for Generating Traffic and Activity Data for Project-Level Air Quality Analyses

There is a frequent disconnect between the traffic data needed for project-level air quality analysis and the traffic data provided by traffic modelers. The disconnect leads to waste in processing and time and introduces project risk by introducing uncertainty into the NEPA and Transportation Conformity process. The challenge stems from different technical vocabulary and knowledge-base of air quality and transportation modelers. State DOTs need guidance that can bridge the gap between air quality and traffic modelers by articulating air quality needs with an understanding of common language and tools available to traffic modelers. The objective of this research is to supplement NCHRP Report 765, "Analytical Travel Forecasting Approaches for Project-Level Planning and Design" by providing guidance focusing specifically on generating traffic information for air quality analysis. The guidance will aid traffic modelers in understanding the traffic data needed for air quality analysis. It will also contribute to improved accuracy and efficiency of the traffic and activity modeling required for federally required air quality analyses by providing guidance to modelers to help them develop data in formats that can be easily used by air quality analysts. NCHRP Report 765 addressed the general subject of project-level modeling in detail but does not address needs specific to project-level air quality analyses. For more information on NCHRP Report 765, visit: http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/170900.aspx The Quick Reference Guide describes traffic needs for project screening, refined analyses, and dispersion modeling of carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and mobile source air toxics (MSATs). Information on greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis is also included.

• Record URL:
  http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3971

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $75000
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 25-25, Task 96

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Performing Organizations:

  WSP

  ,    
• Principal Investigators:

  Ginzburg, Helen

• Start Date: 20151104
• Expected Completion Date: 20180531
• Actual Completion Date: 20180531

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality; Analysis; Carbon monoxide; Greenhouse gases; Particulates; Traffic data; Traffic models
• Identifier Terms: Mobile Source Air Toxics
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Environment; Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01739003
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 25-25, Task 96
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: May 11 2020 5:02PM