Publication Details

Development of a general evaluation plan for CARAT (Congestion Avoidance and Reduction for Autos and Trucks)

Type: Paper

Subtype: Interim Report

Author(s): Hughes, Ronald G.

Publisher: Federal Highway Administration

Publication Date: Mar-1994

Number: FHWA-IVH-9937(601)

Address: Washington, DC

Abstract: This is an interim report presented to the NCDOT by the UNC Highway Safety Research Center describing what are perceived to be the major issues involved in the development of a General Evaluation Plan for an advanced (freeway) traffic management system (ATMS) called CARAT (Congestion Avoidance and Reduction for Autos and Trucks.) CARAT is an NCDOT-managed, design-build program focused on achieving real-time traffic control and surveillance for a 15-mile segment of I-77 in the Charlotte, NC area. Initially, primary operational emphasis will be on real-time incident detection/management and the directed use of alternate routes as a principle means of redistributing traffic volume during periods of nonrecurring congestion. CARAT is part of an IVHS area-wide plan addressing congestion management in the broader sense for the entire Charlotte Region. Specific measurement issues and requirements are discussed: e.g., the measurement of system capacity and throughput; human factors and the identification of user measurement issues; and the role of measurement in the successful management of a design-build approach. Representative evaluation goals and objectives are suggested in the areas of institutional and legal issues. user acceptance, system benefits, system costs, system performance, and general transportation system impacts(e.g., air quality). Formation of an Evaluation Task Force is recommended as an immediate means to develop consensus between the NCDOT Statewide Planning, Traffic Engineering, and Evaluator components of the program on measurable program goals and objectives as well as the role of measurement and evaluation across the life cycle of the program.