Traffic Analysis Toolbox Volume X:
Localized Bottleneck Congestion Analysis
Focusing on What Analysis Tools Are Available, Necessary and
Productive for Localized Congestion Remediation

1. Report No.

FHWA-HOP-09-042

2. Government Accession No.

3. Recipient's Catalog No.

4. Title and Subtitle

Localized Bottleneck Congestion Analysis: Focusing on what analysis tools are available, necessary, and productive in localized congestion remediation

5. Report Date

March 2010

7. Author(s)

Albinder Dhindsa, Cambridge Systematics, Neil Spiller, FHWA

8. Performing Organization Report No.

9. Performing Organization Name and Address

Cambridge Systematics, Inc.
555 12th Street, Suite 1600
Oakland, CA 94607

10. Work Unit No.

11. Contract or Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address

US Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration/Office of Transportation Management
1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E.
Washington, D.C. 94607

13. Type of Report and Period Covered

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

HoTM

15. Supplementary Notes

Contact: Neil Spiller, FHWA, HoTM, 202-366-2188, neil.spiller@dot.gov

16. Abstract

In the past, much, or all, of recurring congestion was felt to be a systemic problem ("not enough lanes") but much of the root cause of recurring congestion is in fact subordinate locations within a facility; i.e., "bottlenecks" and chokepoints. Elsewhere on the same facility and during the same hours, the facility runs free. This document is meant to discuss when, where and how to study small, localized sections of a facility (e.g., on/off ramps, merges, lane drops, intersections, weaves, etc.) In cost-effective means. Some chokepoints are (or seem) obvious in their solution; add a turn lane, widen a stretch of highway, retime a signal, or separate a movement by ramp. However, the solution can often lead to hidden or supplementary problems; hidden bottlenecks, disruptions upstream, or undue influence on abutting accesses, etc Analyzing localized sections of highway is different from analyzing entire corridors or regions. Micro simulation analysis products vary in their target applications and purported results. This document will provide guidance that specifies the choice of analysis tools and inputs necessary to analyze localized problem areas. It also provides some guidance as to when analysis it warranted, and what data inputs are required.

17. Key Words

Bottleneck, chokepoint, micro simulation, localized

18. Distribution Statement

No Restrictions

19. Security Classif. (of this report)

Unclassified

20. Security Classif.
(of this page)

Unclassified

21. No of Pages

30

22. Price

na