Freeway Choke Points Analysis using Vehicle Probe-based Travel Time data

Traffic congestion impacts in travel time, higher fuel use and air pollution. Therefore,Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations(MPOs) have a keen interest in monitoring roadway system and improve congestion management program. The National Performance Management Research Data Set (NPMRDS) provided by FHWA, includes probe vehicle based travel time data for both passenger and freight vehicles in every five-minute interval for all National HighwaySystem (NHS) facilities. This study illustrates a choke points analysis effort utilizing NPMRDS data processing and illustrates ten top choke points in freeway corridors. Thepaper describes basic challenges of data processing and demonstrate a procedure to conquer them. A primary performance measure was used to analyze the choke points andprioritize them for the future improvement actions. This study can be used to monitor and evaluate roadway performance to help identify where choke points are occurring on freeways and how to manage, mitigate traffic congestion and improve mobility, particularly during AM and PM peak periods. In addition, identification of choke pointscan aid the public agencies in ranking the relief efforts and ultimately support in congestion improvement program and appropriate budget assignment.