Project-level traffic forecasting
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# Introduction
Project-level traffic forecasting is a specialized set of techniques intended to refine and improve the output of generalized demand forecasting methods, typically by using empirical data along with other validation methodologies. Project-level traffic forecasting became well established with the publication of NCHRP Report 255 (opens new window) (1982), which was later superseded by NCHRP Report 765 (2014). The "Hawaii Guidelines (opens new window)" are a rewritten version of much of the material in NCHRP Report 765, and these guidelines form the basis for this article.
# The Practice of Project-Level Travel Forecasting
Project-level traffic forecasting describes the techniques employed to produce precise and accurate quantitative estimates of future traffic on a single (or small set of adjacent) road segment(s). As distinct from area-wide travel demand modeling, project-level forecasting typically employs additional statistical methods and empirical controls that allow the result to satisfy rigorous validation criteria. The purpose of these guidelines is to describe both best and acceptable practice for performing project-level traffic forecasts for state DOT's and similar agencies. The guidelines describe a number of techniques and options that are all acceptable within their intended scope, specific to the technique.
The forecasting process itself varies depending on the location and context of the project. Project sponsors (most typically states, counties or municipalities) that are accountable for a project's success will often require that the underlying design assumptions (in this case, forecast traffic volumes) be rigorously developed using thoroughly vetted techniques that can withstand expert scrutiny. To this end, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) periodically sponsors research to compile, explain and synthesize best practices. By extension, satisfying area-wide model validation standards are prerequisite to applying subsequent refinements at the project level.
A variety of forecasting techniques should be considered with respect to the project context; oftentimes with techniques used in combination. While there is some limited role for professional judgment in applying these techniques, project-level forecasts must always be accompanied with a document that describes how the forecast was accomplished. In some cases there may be special reporting requirements based on the nature of the forecast request.
# Using Regional Travel Demand Models
The logical starting point in preparing a project-level traffic forecast is with the standard raw data output from a regional travel demand model. It is important to understand that it is virtually impossible to calibrate a regional model's performance to satisfy the validation criteria for every conceivable project level forecast that might occur. In fact, if a regional model is fortunate enough to produce a perfect match to observed conditions at a project location, it is very likely a simple lucky shot. Ideally, the starting point for a project-level forecast would conform to a best-practice modeling standard. Practically speaking, however, an acceptable standard may be found in MPO models used for regional travel forecasting in the United States by virtue of their regular application in evaluating large capital investments that receive close scrutiny. In either case, forecasting assumptions that deviate from or correct the source material should be documented.
One important distinction between regional travel modeling methods and their project-level forecasting counterparts is in how the concepts of "highway capacity" and "travel delay" are defined and calculated. Additionally, project-level forecasts very often must be refined both temporally and geographically by interpolating between forecast years and by pivoting with select link analysis for small developments.
In preparing a project-level traffic forecast for single location, the analyst should recognize that observed traffic volumes, in fact, vary from day-to-day. Because travel demand models typically provide only an average annual daily traffic volume (AADT), it is important to verify that this average reflects an acceptable margin of statistical variation in observed counts .
Temporal refinements and directional split refinements
Speed and travel time refinements
# Evaluation
# Refinement for Evaluation
Refining vehicle class forecasts for evaluation
Refining speeds for evaluation
# Conventional Post-Processing
# Other Evaluation Issues
Measures of effectiveness and performance measures
# Custom Project-Level Models
# Scenario Comparisons
A scenario might involve the economic, demographic or land-development environment of the project....Scenario/sensitivity testing
Within a single scenario, there is still the possibility of uncertainty in a forecast....Reporting of reasonable bounds on forecast values
# Techniques for Increasing Spatial Resolution
Windowing with OD table estimation from traffic counts
Working with vehicle re-identification data
# Blended Models
# Improving Temporal Detail
# Guidelines for Specific Project Types
# Time Series Methods
# Linear Regression Techniques
Linear models with explanatory variables
# Box-Jenkins/ARIMA Methods
Autoregressive with explanatory variables (ARX or SAR) models_models_in_project-level_traffic_forecasting)
# Time Series Examples
Example of an autoregression model with Box-Cox transformation
# Case Studies
Numerous case studies may be found in NCHRP Report 765 and in the Hawaii report.