Expanding Metropolitan Highways : Implications for Air Quality and Energy Use
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1995-01-01
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TRIS Online Accession Number:00681963
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ISBN:0309061075
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NTL Classification:AGR-OTHER TOPICS-Energy;NTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Air Quality;
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Abstract:The purpose of this study, which was initiated by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Executive Committee, was to review the current state of knowledge, evaluate the scientific evidence, and narrow the areas of disagreement about the impacts of highway capacity additions on traffic flow characteristics, travel demand, land use, vehicle emissions, air quality, and energy use. In the report, specific questions at issue are described and, where possible, research or analyses that could be conducted to speed their resolution are recommended. More specifically, the study committee: Critically reviews existing research on the links among highway capacity, traffic flow characteristics, travel demand, land use, vehicle emissions, air quality, and energy use in metropolitan areas; Identifies the conditions most likely to affect emissions and energy use; Reviews the reliability of models and analyses that regional and state planning agencies use to forecast travel demand and land use, emission levels, and energy consumption; and Recommends research strategies, modeling improvements, and data collection efforts to improve analytic capabilities. The report is organized in six chapters and five appendices. Chapter 1 provides an introduction. Background information on the effects of motor vehicle transportation on air quality and energy consumption is given in Chapter 2, and the main analytic tools used to model these effects are introduced. The impacts, both initial and long term, of additions to highway capacity on traffic flows, travel demand, and land use and urban form are examined in Chapters 3 through 5, respectively. In each area, what is known from theory, empirical studies, and statistical models is summarized; an assessment of the validity and certainty of the evidence is provided; and recommendations are made for improving the state of knowledge. In Chapter 6, major findings about the relationships between highway capacity additions, emissions, air quality, and energy consumption are summarized, highlighting what is known, what is knowable, and what is not, and conclusions are drawn about the current focus and requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA). Appendices A through C contain papers commissioned by the study committee to inform its deliberations. Appendix D contains a review of studies of transportation investments and land use, and Appendix E the minority statement of Michael A. Replogle, the committee member who agreed with many elements of this report but dissented from some of the key findings.
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