United States Department of Transportation
i
Traffic Data for Integrated Project-Level PM2.5 Conformity Analysis.
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2014-08-01
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[PDF-2.21 MB]
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Abstract:As required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the MOVES model is the mandatory emission
tool for new PM hot-spot analyses for project-level conformity determinations that began after December 20, 2012.
Localized traffic data inputs to the model are crucial in maximizing its capability to accurately reflect the PM2.5 emissions associated with transportation programs and projects. However, accurately acquiring local traffic
operating related data for project-level MOVES analysis is always a challenge to realistic practices. To address the
issue, the three existing traffic data sources in Ohio that can be used as inputs for the MOVES model have been
identified and analyzed through the project. The first one is referred to as the ATR data source, which contains
hourly or 15-minute traffic volume and vehicle composition. The second one, PVR data source, provides individual
vehicle’s timestamp, class and speed information. The third one is the micro-simulation data source, which
includes individual vehicle’s class, speed profile and acceleration profile. The applicability of the available data
sources has been evaluated by using the sample data collected on the I-275 freeway in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Specifically, the roadside PM2.5 concentration is estimated based on the sample traffic data and the modeled
concentration is compared to the observed data. The compared results indicate that the PVR data source is
preferred for the project-level PM2.5 analysis. It requires less effort to collect and provides the most accurate results
when compared to other data sources. The normalized mean-square-error of the modeled concentration can be
reduced by 30.5% if the PVR data are used with the operating mode distribution data prepared based on the
simulation data source. Finally, an easy-to-use computer tool in the ArcGIS environment, termed as Traffic Air
Environmental Health Impact Analysis (TAEHIA) supporting system, has been developed to facilitate the
application of the identified data sources into the PM2.5 conformity analysis conforming to the ODOT and U.S. EPA
guidelines. The TAEHIA system is designed to: 1) incorporate the traffic data sources available in Ohio; 2)
implement the PM2.5 conformity analysis steps as recommended by the EPA hot-spot conformity analysis
guideline; and 3) simplify users’ tasks in the conformity analysis. The application of the TAEHIA system has been
demonstrated in two case studies. As shown by the case studies, it is a user-friendly, straightforward way to
analyze the transportation conformity within the TAEHIA environment.
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