Overview
A variety of mitigation techniques can reduce the frequency and impact of localized bottlenecks (further defined in Section 2.0). These techniques can range from the most intense (e.g., microsimulation product applications) to the least intense (e.g., sketch planning) with several iterations of tools in between; e.g., simple data summarizations, the Highway Capacity Manual analysis (HCM), empirical analysis, and deterministic tools.
The crux of this document is to help agencies decide which analysis techniques to apply and how. But how should an agency choose which bottleneck analysis tool to apply? Which tools are correctly aligned with which challenges? How should an agency decide when to use a particular bottleneck analysis tool, and when is microsimulation warranted?
This bottleneck analysis tool selection guide was developed to help transportation agency managers decide which analysis is appropriate; and how to apply it cost-effectively. Thoroughly considering these decision-support tools can assure the most efficient use of agency resources to provide the highest level of service (LOS).