Abstract:
In the early 1980’s a transportation planning sea change occurred with the emergence of quick response planning procedures. Prior to the 1980’s, planning was dominated by a travel demand modeling system that required extensive data development and complex forecasting systems, which required extensive commitments of personnel. With the publication of quick response planning manual, NCHRP 187 and the introduction of the microcomputer, travel demand forecasting became practical for application to small and medium sized urban areas with limited budgets. However, in the 1990’s new demands were placed upon the planning process to address issues concerning intelligent transportation systems, the environment, safety, access to work, environmental justice, and sustainability. Unfortunately, increases in the planning budgets for small and medium sized areas have not kept pace with the increased demands. In response to changes in the demands placed on the urban planning process, a second generation of quick response transportation procedures and models has been developed. These new techniques include the Surface Transportation Evaluation Analysis Model (STEAM), the Transportation Development Model (TDM), and the Highway Capacity Software (HCS). This paper will discuss the application of these quick response techniques to the Interstate 630 Corridor in Little Rock, Arkansas.
