PROJECTS

ATG | DCCM recently assisted the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (EPMPO) with the development and adoption of their 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), and corresponding Transportation Air Quality Conformity Report.

ATG | DCCM worked closely with MPO staff to engage regional stakeholders and the public in a discussion of travel needs in the Metropolitan El Paso study area. The MTP Update focused on developing a long-range plan to guide implementation of a multimodal transportation system that provides mobility options for all citizens and users of the system.

ATG | DCCM developed and led a visioning effort to identify not only mobility needs, but also the issues that are most important to the community. The team used this information to develop metrics to help select and prioritize a program of multimodal projects designed to optimize the future transportation system for the region.

ATG | DCCM worked closely with MPO staff to conduct an initial assessment of the existing transportation system and identify needs/deficiencies. Those deficiencies were coupled with the metrics developed during the visioning process to help develop programs and projects that move the region’s transportation goals forward. ATG | DCCM spent significant time working with the MPO and regional stakeholders to develop a reasonable and compliant fiscal constraint framework that ensured the plan could be implemented within the planning horizon.

ATG | DCCM also aided in developing the air quality conformity analysis and conformity determination. The final plan outlined the information and assumption used in the process, the methods used in the analysis, and the outcomes obtained from the 2045 MTP development process. The final report provided an attractive document including summary brochures of key points to further engage the public in ongoing dialogue about transportation challenges. The project was successfully delivered on a very tight adoption timeline mandated by regulatory compliance deadlines.

Texarkana Planning for Active Communities

ATG | DCCM developed a Regional Active Transportation Master Plan for the Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO) as part of Phase II of an overall data collection and plan development effort.

ATG | DCCM assisted the Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO) in developing a Regional Active Transportation Master Plan to make lives better in northeast Texas. Active transportation focuses on the integration of active forms of transportation such as walking or cycling with passive forms of transportation such as cars, buses, and various forms of rail transportation.

Through extensive data collection and analysis, ATG | DCCM provided stakeholders an accurate view of multimodal connectivity, transit accessibility, and school walkability detailing origin and destination of bicycle and pedestrian attractors, bicycle and pedestrian travel patterns, and analysis of vehicular and bicycle/pedestrian crash trends.

Data analysis was augmented by an innovative public and stakeholder outreach process that included in-person meetings, open houses, workshops, and online components. In addition, surveys were administered at bus stops and other key destinations. Different types of active transportation users were identified to develop appropriate project recommendations, as well as to identify conceptual future bicycle and pedestrian networks. This interactive process identified priorities for the plan.

The project team, in coordination with MPO staff and technical committee, developed short- and long-range strategies including prioritized projects and an innovative funding strategy to best pair projects with potential federal, state, and local funding sources. In addition, the MPO was given complete streets language that local communities can adopt to help guide future project development.

Overall, the plan successfully provided a framework for completing a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian network that will provide equitable and safe access to the transportation system for users of all ages and abilities.

Robust Public Engagement Was the Difference for Jonesboro’s Comprehensive Transit Plan

Working with Jonesboro Economical Transportation (JET) and the Northeast Arkansas Regional Transportation Planning Commission (N.A.R.T.P.C.) ATG | DCCM delivers a comprehensive Transit System Plan to improve public transit systems for Jonesboro, AR.

ATG | DCCM worked collaboratively with JET and N.A.R.T.P.C. staff, as well as the public, to obtain specific, local knowledge of the service area and transit system that guided the entire process. Providing detailed technical analysis and a robust public engagement effort to obtain input for the development of service recommendations.

ATG | DCCM is committed to Making Lives Better in the communities we serve. The best way to understand the needs of communities is to listen. Success on this project came from investing in listening to the community and helping them discover a path forward that they like and will use.

Using an open and active dialogue with the public and a shared understanding of the tools used to improve transit, ATG | DCCM led the development of operational scenarios that balanced community goals and operational efficiency.

Three key objectives were selected to improve transit in the Jonesboro area:

1. Frequency (how often the bus comes)
2. Service Span (how early or late service runs)
3. Route Design (where the bus goes and how it gets there)

Operational scenarios were evaluated to develop a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA).  Once the LPA was established, ATG | DCCM used its extensive experience to successfully develop a sustainable implementation strategy. The JET Comprehensive Transit Plan will improve service for existing and future customers.

Improving Austin’s East Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd./FM969 Corridor

ATG | DCCM design engineers are working with the City of Austin to improve safety, mobility, and multimodal connectivity along the East Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard/FM 969 Corridor.

The City of Austin selected ATG | DCCM to develop safety, mobility, and connectivity improvements along East Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard/FM 969 Corridor Project from US 183 to Decker Lane. With funding for Austin’s current Corridor Construction Program, ATG | DCCM is developing prioritized, interim improvements to provide near-term benefit. ATG | DCCM also designed ultimate improvements to provide ongoing project implementation program along the roadway.

Interim improvements include the design and construction of 8 ft shared-use paths on each side of the street, signage and striping, drainage, as well as street reconstruction and widening of a major intersection. Ultimate improvements include the complete design and reconstruction of the corridor widening roadway from 4-lanes with a center turn-lane to 6-lanes with a raised median, and shared-use paths in both directions.

ATG | DCCM Supports Arkansas Transportation Planning Statewide

ATG | DCCM assisted the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) with a range of multimodal transportation planning services.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) selected ATG | DCCM to provide transportation systems planning, and management systems planning/FAST Act compliance, along with corridor traffic engineering and operational analysis. Below are a few project examples of the many ways ATG | DCCM was able to analyze possibilities and create solutions for ARDOT under the statewide planning contract:

• Statewide Transit Coordination Planning – ATG | DCCM helped ARDOT develop a FAST Act compliant Statewide Human Services Transit Coordination Plan that was designed to optimize the efficient use of existing resources to meet the mobility needs of Arkansas residents, especially the elderly, disabled, low-income, and rural populations. During plan development, ATG | DCCM conducted transportation systems analyses of current levels of service as well as current and future transit needs identifying gaps in service and the prospective resources available to address them. ATG | DCCM carried out a broad-based and inclusive statewide stakeholder engagement process consisting of a series of eight workshops that were held throughout the state regarding area transit issues and current coordination efforts. The final plan provided prioritized recommendations to support ARDOT coordination strategies to deploy resources efficiently and effectively in addressing the transit needs of target populations across the state.
• State Safety Oversight – ATG | DCCM assisted ARDOT develop a 49 CFR Part 674 compliant program required for overseeing safety implementation with rail fixed guideway public transportation system (RFGPTS) providers in the state. ATG | DCCM provided management systems support to develop a new State Safety Oversight Program Standard (SSOPS) and developed a Procedures Manual to direct program activities. ATG | DCCM conducted desk and field reviews of safety documentation, implementation of safety procedures; and coordination to introduce the new standards. ATG | DCCM developed the necessary analysis and documentation for ARDOT’s certification submission of the Arkansas SSO program to FTA which was approved in July 2018.
• Traffic Engineering Study – ATG | DCCM conducted a traffic engineering study along Hwy 270 and Hwy 7 in the Hot Springs, AR area. ATG | DCCM analyzed four interchanges and two corridors using FHWA highway capacity software (HCS); SYNCHRO; VISSIM and other operational analysis tools to help ARDOT develop both conventional and innovative alternatives to current and anticipated challenges.

Alternatives evaluated included interchange and other improvements along the Hwy 270 controlled-access corridor and signal progression, access management, and innovative intersection treatments along the Hwy 7 arterial corridor. ATG | DCCM prepared conceptual exhibits and visualization tools to evaluate transportation performance outcomes of the various alternatives as well as high-level cost/benefit analysis to evaluate return on investment (ROI) of proposed alternatives.

Staying Ahead of San Antonio’s Rapidly Changing Traffic Demands

ATG | DCCM is helping TxDOT address increasing congestion in northeast San Antonio by improving safety and operations on Loop 1604.

San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. In turn, traffic congestion and accidents increase. Keeping traffic moving safely ahead of growth is the challenge ATG | DCCM is working with TxDOT to reduce congestion along Loop 1604 in Northeast San Antonio.

This project expands the freeway and modifies ramp access to improve motorist’s ability to get to their destinations safely and efficiently. ATG | DCCM addressed the challenge of maintaining local access near a railroad line while improving freeway operations by evaluating multiple alternatives. Working with the community, ATG | DCCM created 3D visualizations of proposed modifications to demonstrate to Bexar County citizens how the proposed changes could improve traffic conditions on Loop 1604.

This iterative process facilitated the selection of solutions that meet the needs of the community while ensuring safe traffic operations and improved traffic flows. ATG also developed signal, illumination, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) designs with state-of-the-art software to enhance these improvements.

Staying Ahead of San Antonio’s Rapidly Changing Traffic Demands

ATG | DCCM led the effort to deliver a more efficient flow of traffic at the US 281/Basse Road and US 218/Jones Maltsberger Road interchanges for TxDOT’s San Antonio District.

ATG | DCCM led the development of schematic alternatives and environmental documents produced to improve access to US 281 in the City of San Antonio. The schematic development evaluated multiple alternatives including conventional and alternative design options.

ATG | DCCM coordinated with TxDOT and project stakeholders to understand traffic conditions in the area, as well as constraints and roadway characteristics. Traffic models were used to identify traffic issues at the intersections, with an additional nine intersections along Basse Rd and Jones Maltsberger Rd through Alamo Heights being included in the analytics. ATG | DCCM also performed a crash analysis using three years of available data from the TxDOT CRIS system.

Once the existing deficiencies and safety issues were identified, ATG | DCCM held an Alternatives Workshop to brainstorm solutions to improve access and operations. Each proposed solution was evaluated by weighing environmental, right-of-way (ROW), operational, drainage, cost, and constructability constraints/impacts.

Improvements were ranked based on implementable, low-cost improvements to high cost, long-term solutions. Solutions were presented to TxDOT and the City of San Antonio to identify the preferred alternative that will move forward into the schematic and environmental clearance processes. The video to the left illustrates the recommended alternative.

ATG | DCCM Traffic Specialists Help North Texas Motorists Through Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

ATG | DCCM helped TxDOT’s Fort Worth District find better ways to communicate and accurately alert motorists of changing traffic conditions in their service area.

To provide motorists with reliable, cost-effective service with actionable information about changing traffic conditions and travel times, TxDOT’s Fort Worth District looked to ATG | DCCM for solutions. ATG | DCCM ITS specialists developed an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Master Plan focused on improving the District’s overall safety and mobility.

ATG | DCCM performed comprehensive existing conditions evaluations that identified congestion points and locations with high crash frequency. ATG | DCCM applied this information to strategically implement closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, dynamic message signs (DMS), and vehicle sensors to enhance TxDOT’s ability to provide more accurate and useful information to motorists.

Advance planning was also performed to address limited connectivity to the rural areas of the District through improved use of fiber optic cable and wireless communication prioritization. ATG | DCCM’s ITS Master Plan study delivered an ITS roadmap that allows TxDOT to efficiently become aware and reliably disseminate better information with more reliable travel times for motorists.

ATG | DCCM Finding Better Ways to Help TxDOT San Antonio Identify and Prioritize Bottlenecks

ATG | DCCM led the effort to identify bottlenecks throughout the TxDOT’s San Antonio District. Using a combination of publicly available data, traffic and cellular travel time information, ATG | DCCM identified and prioritized project locations that will improve mobility for residents throughout the metropolitan area.

The San Antonio District of TxDOT needed an accurate and appropriately prioritized list of traffic congestion hotspots known as bottlenecks. TxDOT selected ATG | DCCM to assist them to develop the basis for selecting and prioritizing the most congested bottlenecks.

ATG | DCCM identified and analyzed numerous data sets, reports, and other resources to deliver a more accurate, in-depth congestion location report supported by pertinent data. ATG | DCCM provided an innovative analytical process that allowed TxDOT San Antonio District to effectively and efficiently prioritize congested roadways throughout Bexar County.

Getting Houstonians In and Out of Downtown

ATG | DCCM traffic experts are a part of the team helping TxDOT deliver a more efficient flow of traffic into and out of downtown Houston along Interstate 45.

The North Houston Highway Improvement Program (NHHIP) addresses major freeway improvements in Harris County, Texas. This $6 billion project includes over 20 miles of freeway reconstruction and realignment on Interstate 45 North to deliver a more efficient flow of traffic into and out of downtown Houston and in the future.

Planned improvements on this project not only address highway congestion but also improve multimodal transportation including bicycle and pedestrian features, along with opportunities for development to connect to downtown. The goal of the I-45 NHHIP is to provide a safer highway with additional capacity for projected traffic demand by incorporating transit opportunities, travel demand strategies, and flexible operations.

ATG | DCCM is building the traffic models, forecasting traffic demand, analyzing and predicting crashes, and evaluating operational alternatives to ensure that the final recommended alternative meets the goal of the project and the needs of the area. At the conclusion, ATG | DCCM will provide Interstate Access Justification Report (IAJR), as required by the Federal Highway Administration for access changes to Interstate highways.

Statewide Technical Assistance for Transit (STAT) ATG | DCCM’s Ongoing Partnership with LADOTD

Since 2002, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) has looked to ATG | DCCM specialists to help transit providers across the state to deliver quality service efficiently and safely in compliance with changing Federal regulations and standards.

Under the statewide consultant contract, ATG | DCCM assists the LADOTD Public Transportation Section, the SSO Program Manager and each rural transportation provider to identify and meet the safety and security, service coordination, cost efficiency, and communication needs.

Federal guidelines for asset management and safety program reporting are challenging. ATG | DCCM’s technical assistance team assisted Louisiana transit providers with implementing and adhering to voluntary safety standards since 2006, putting them well ahead of the Federal mandates. ATG | DCCM solutions help build capacity, promote service efficiency, and facilitate coordination among Louisiana stakeholders and customers to deliver the best transportation system possible.

Working as a virtual extension of LADOTD’s staff, the ATG | DCCM team’s successes for this project include:

• Planning and delivering workshops on marketing, bus safety and security, cost allocation, coordination of services, and other topics of crucial importance to rural public transportation providers across the state.
• Drafting statewide Bus Safety and Security Bus Standards.
• Publishing a quarterly newsletter informing transit providers of updates and providing guidance on topical issues.
• Conducting FTA fixed-guideway safety and security audits reviewing compliance documents, performing training workshops, and other compliance services.
• Updating the Statewide Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan including development of a regional coordination template and assistance in the development of eight regional HSTC plans.
• Providing transit planning assistance and technical expertise for rural communities developing transit services.
• Planning and implementing various statewide initiatives such as the Transportation Services Coordination Summit, the statewide Annual Transit Conference, and facilitating a legislatively mandated working group.
• Developing various statewide plans to meet federal compliance issues such as the Intercity Bus Plan and the FEMA Louisiana Supplemental Emergency Public Transportation Plan to fund transportation services to displaced citizens following hurricanes.
• Development of the Statewide Transit Tracking and Reporting System (STTARS) to facilitate ridership tracking and reporting by rural and E&D providers. The STTARS system manages online applications, vehicle dispatch, ridership tracking, grant management, vehicle maintenance records, and service invoicing.

ATG | DCCM’s Modelers & Developers Help TxDOT Manage the Future of Transportation in Texas

ATG | DCCM is proud to be the original architect and developer of four iterations of TxDOT’s innovative Statewide Analysis Model (SAM) for transportation systems across the State of Texas.

The SAM provides decisions-makers the ability to understand future travel demand and how transportation projects serve Texas’ needs. This multimodal model provides forecasts for highway passenger travel, freight transport, air traffic to and from Texas airports, intercity and high-speed passenger rail ridership, as well as freight rail tonnage and train forecasts.

In addition, the SAM provides TxDOT with on-demand forecasting and has been used to prioritize passenger rail corridors, produce performance measure for TxDOT’s statewide plan, contribute to ridership projections for the Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study (TOPRS), provide inputs for TxDOT’s Freight Mobility Plan, and provide traffic forecasts for project and corridor studies.

ATG | DCCM continues to support TxDOT with updates to keep the model current with best practices, to take advantage of emerging technology, and to respond to new regulatory or analytical requirements. The ATG | DCCM design incorporates both advanced and common-sense features intended to support analyses that lead to better planning for transportation solutions.

The SAM Version 4.0 (SAM-V4)  is the fourth generation of this state-of-the-practice model. The SAM-V4 update uses standard TransCAD 8 interface (similar to TxDOT’s MPO model interface), separate weekend modeling capability, increased geographic detail (all frontage roads in the state associated with IH facilities), the ability to forecast modal changes (air, rail, auto) for passenger trips that begin or end outside of Texas, the ability to run scenarios for any year between model base year and horizon year, and updated freight models based upon current observed data. Key enhancements to the passenger models include application of destination choice models representing all Texas related long distance passenger trips at a national level.