This study investigated the feasibility and limitations of a regionwide cumulative effects analysis of long-range transportation plans (LRTPs). The key to meaningful regional cumulative effects assessment and resource conservation planning is determining when a significant impact to any given resource has been reached. This study applied a select set of natural and cultural resource metrics to the 2035 long-range transportation plans of large, medium, and small metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). A spatial analysis was conducted to calculate the cumulative loss in the distribution of four representative resources from the proposed transportation network and land use changes. The results generated information about the resource spatial distribution and retention requirements for long-term viability. The cumulative effects were measured against quantitative sustainability indicators of high, medium, and low risk; at that time, stakeholders and decision makers could make a determination of the significance of the environmental impacts before the LRTP was complete. Informed decisions can be made about trade-offs; changes can be made to plan alternatives to create more compatible plans, or mitigation of plan effects can be identified. The model used for this study is a flexible but robust model that does not impose an undue burden on a department of transportation or MPO, but it does rely on input from resource agency experts and other stakeholders. Data were readily available in a geographic information system format, and the process appears viable for most MPOs and partners.
Regionwide Cumulative Effects Analysis of Long-Range Transportation Plans
Transportation Research Record
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board ; 2158 , 1 ; 10-18
2010-01-01
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Regionwide Cumulative Effects Analysis of Long-Range Transportation Plans
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