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Volume 4
Spring/Summer 2007

Rain Gardens
A growing trend for managing stormwater runoff

Profile
Three-time CEAM Project of the Year Award Winner Sue Mason shares her approach to developing award-winning projects

Traffic Forecasting
A vital tool for successful transportation planning

Membrane Technology
Its cost and environmental advantages in operating wastewater treatment facilities

Project Spotlight
Central Water Treatment Plant and Improvement to Zachary Water Treatment Plant, Plymouth, Minn.

SEH News
Project awards, association recognitions, new services, and more

Download a printable PDFof this issue 2.2MB

While a functional transportation system requires valid forecasts of future demands, the question still remains: how do planners and traffic experts obtain a realistic forecast when their entire analysis rests on the unknown future growth and development of an area? Read how our clients respond to this challenging question:

“With the increased demand for more refined forecasts, we have experienced an increase in potential project issues. Our challenge has been to employ the forecast using some judgment as to its margin of error and the implications for increases in project scope and project cost. The most important concept to consider when discussing forecasts is the use of technology; while it has certainly come a long way, there is still value in exercising judgment in its use.”
Brian Issacson, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Planner

“We have to have a reasonable level of confidence in the analysis and trust the numbers. If we can’t rely on the numbers to be accurate, how else can we know we are designing and constructing the right improvements to meet the future traffic demands?”
Mike Sweeney, City of Boulder, Colorado, Traffic Engineer

“The key to accurate traffic modeling is working closely with the local government. Knowing what types of land uses and developments are going to be expected in the area makes the traffic model as realistic as possible. Without that detailed look at future development, planning and building the roadway network will be based on where the market-driven development is occurring, not necessarily where the community would like it to be.”
Dave Mack, Wausau/Marathon County, Wisconsin, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Planner

Forecasting traffic capacity needs serves several purposes. From an operational standpoint, traffic forecasting can help with strategies such as identifying geometric deficiencies and improvements, the need for auxiliary or turn lanes, or traffic control treatments such as roundabouts or traffic signals. From a planning perspective, forecasting transportation data early in the process helps planners and traffic engineers prepare and implement corridor preservation strategies. Corridor strategies include official mapping, zoning and subdivision ordinances, setback requirements, jurisdictional agreements, or right-of-way purchases. This approach to forecasting promotes the preservation and long-term viability of a transportation corridor even when actual capacity improvements may be decades away.

SEH continues to work with the Federal Highway Administration to develop “Traffic Analysis Tools” that help planning organizations choose the right approach to achieve the most accurate forecast for future project planning. The toolbox includes a variety of software-based analytical procedures and methodologies that support different aspects of traffic and transportation analyses.

For more information, e-mail Traffic Specialist Jaimison Sloboden, PE, at 800.325.2055.

Find out more about SEH Traffic Services.

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