Accuracy of Traffic Forecasting Over Time in Environmental Studies

Focus Area

NEPA Process

Subcommittee

Environmental Process

Status

Archived

Cost

Unknown

Timeframe

Unknown

Research Idea Scope

Analyze the accuracy of traffic forecasting over time, data that was used in environmental analysis/studies.  For example, a 1980 traffic study for a particular project looked at the traffic numbers in a 10, 20, 30 year horizon.  How close was the 2010 data estimated in 1980 in 2010?

Urgency and Payoff

Analysis may provide insight as to whether traffic forecasting, looked at over time, turns out to be correct.  Because traffic forecasting is employed in other analysis (ie, noise, air quality, community impacts), incorrect projections could also skew other environmental studies.  Inaccurate data could also affect the purpose and need of a project.

Suggested By

Ken Lastufka, California Department of Transportation

[email protected]

Submitted

07/29/2010