Operations News - Details

New Publication: Examining the Speed-Flow-Delay Paradox in the Washington, DC Region: Potential Impacts of Reduced Traffic on Congestion Delay and Potential for Reductions in Discretionary Travel during Peak Periods: Final Report
Posted: 4/28/2009

The Federal Highway Administration commissioned this study to specifically evaluate speed, volume and delay for congested versus uncongested travel on some of the major roadways in the metropolitan Washington region, in order to identify the specific "tipping point(s)" at which free-flow traffic "breaks down", and conversely, the volume of traffic that would have to be reduced in peak periods to keep traffic free-flowing. The study also analyzed survey data to estimate the number and percent of trips that people take in peak hours on our freeways that are discretionary trips. Finally, the study briefly reviewed empirical findings on experiences with congestion pricing in the US and abroad. (Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-09-017)

URL: http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09017/index.htm


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