Congestion Monitoring Measures and Procedures for Small to Medium-sized Communities (0-5571-S)

Many Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Districts struggle with congestion issues in growing small- to medium-sized communities. Congestion in these communities is often highest along state highways that also serve major local travel functions. While there are extensive resources and literature dedicated to measuring, monitoring and improving large urban area congestion, there is a need for guidance for small- to medium-sized communities (population <250,000) to better understand and alleviate congestion before the problems escalate. Potential solutions and performance measure targets necessarily are much different for smaller communities than those identified in the literature for urban areas. The primary objective of this research is to develop and test a framework for congestion monitoring in small- to medium-sized communities, including economical (low-cost) monitoring techniques and the normal range of improvements for small- to medium-sized communities. The research will perform two pilot studies of the framework. Researchers will develop numerous outreach materials including a guidebook, PowerPoint presentations, interactive CD, preliminary workshop lesson plans, and research reports. The results and implementation of this research will be useful for TxDOT staff in small- to medium-sized communities as well as TxDOT's partnering agencies, including MPOs, municipalities, and counties.