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Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 19311

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Amir M. Molan

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
Interests: alternative intersections; pedestrian and bicycle safety; traffic operation; highway safety; traffic simulation modeling

Dr. Soheil Sajjadi

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Guest Editor

Senior Transporation Engineer, Arcadis, NC 27607, USA
Interests: traffic flow theory; multimodal traffic modeling; multiresolution transportation modeling; highway capacity methodology; microsimulation

Dr. Soheil Sohrabi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
Interests: intelligent transportation systems; traffic safety; sustainability and public health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Many countries are involved with problems related to old and failing transportation infrastructures. Most of the big transportation infrastructures, including freeways, intersections, and interchanges were built over five decades ago based on old design policies and traffic demands in Northern American countries. Consequently, many of those infrastructures are resulting in traffic congestions, high rates of crashes, and unsatisfying performance for non-motorized users (pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, etc.). For example, based on statistics, over two million crashes occur at intersections in the United States annually. Moreover, the current COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of sustainable transportation systems and created a compelling justification for redesigning roads and streets. From another point of view, transportation infrastructure occupies city spaces, mainly green spaces, and may cause community severance. Paved roadways and parking are a source of urban heat. Transportation infrastructure and its condition affect traffic flow characteristics, which may further affect vehicle emission rates. Transportation infrastructure should support emerging and potentially sustainable transportation technologiessuch as connected and automated vehicles, electric vehicles, and port electrification.

This Special Issue seeks to provide a collection of the most recent findings and experiences of sustainable transportation to extend and upgrade the service for all users. Selected topics within the scope of the Special Issue may include studies on pedestrian and bicycle safety, complete streets, connected and automated vehicles (CAV), electric vehicles, tactical urbanism, alternative intersections and interchanges, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), alternative fuels, air pollution, traffic noise pollution, traffic calming, traffic operation and safety, and geometric design.

Dr. Amir M. Molan
Dr. Soheil Sajjadi
Dr. Soheil Sohrabi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

sustainability
transportation infrastructures
pedestrians and bicycles
safety
complete streets
alternative design
connected and automated vehicles
electric vehicles
intelligent transportation systems
traffic calming

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Random Parameters Multinomial Logit Model Analysis of Median Barrier Crash Injury Severity on Wyoming Interstates

by Milhan Moomen, Amirarsalan Mehrara Molan and Khaled Ksaibati

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 10856; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410856 - 11 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 992

Abstract

This paper investigated factors influencing injury severity of crashes involving median traffic barriers, including the impact of barrier characteristics and their geometric features in Wyoming. Combining field data of inventoried median barriers with crash data on Wyoming interstates highways, a random parameters multinomial logit (mixed logit) model of injury severity was estimated. This methodological approach allowed for the possibility of estimated model parameters to vary randomly across crash observations to account for heterogeneity with respect to driver characteristics, roadway attributes, and vehicle characteristics. The estimation results indicated concrete barriers installed on front side-slopes and box beam barriers were associated with severe injury crashes. It was also found that median barrier crashes involving sports utility vehicles, pickups, and improperly restraint vehicle occupants are complex and vary significantly across observations. Other statistically significant variables found to increase the likelihood of severe injury crashes were rural interstate roads, concrete barriers installed on a front side-slope, box beam barriers with lateral offset less than 2 feet, and rollover crashes. These parameters were fixed across observations. The findings of this research point to the need to further investigate the impacts of sport utility vehicles, pickups, and rollover crashes on median barrier crash injury severity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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17 pages, 1829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Planning Practice Method to Assess the Potential for Cycling and to Design a Bicycle Network in a Starter Cycling City in Portugal

by Fernando Fonseca, Paulo Ribeiro and Carolina Neiva

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4534; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054534 - 3 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

There is growing recognition of the potential for cycling to provide more sustainable and active urban mobility. In Portugal, the National Strategy for Active Mobility aims at increasing the bicycle modal share from the current level of below 1% to 10% by 2030. This paper describes a planning practice method to assess the potential for cycling and to design a bicycle network in Ponte de Lima, a small starter Portuguese city, which only has some disconnected cycle lanes. The method consists of assessing the target population and target area attributes through a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Space Syntax operations. Results showed that the potential for cycling in Ponte de Lima is hindered by the hilly terrain, by the low population density and by the low percentage of the young population. The compact urban structure and the level of street integration enhances topological proximity and makes using a bicycle convenient. The proposed bicycle network comprises segregated cycle lanes, colored cycle lanes and a set of streets where cycling coexists with other road users. Adopting complementary measures, such as traffic calming and bicycle-sharing services, could be decisive to make cycling more appealing in Ponte de Lima and to help the city in reaching the ambitious goal of the National Strategy for Active Mobility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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23 pages, 1688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Construction Inhibitors and Sustainable Construction Practices for Alternative Intersections and Interchanges

by Minerva Bonilla and William Rasdorf

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3759; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043759 - 18 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1262

Abstract

Despite the recent pandemic and sharp increases in fuel costs, portions of the current U.S. transportation infrastructure have reached their capacity, can no longer carry the increasing traffic volumes they are subjected to, nor can they sustain more. Thus, there is a need to enhance the current infrastructure by funding projects that promote more sustainable practices. Alternative intersections and interchanges (AIIs) can help to achieve this by providing significant improvements in traffic volumes while maintaining or improving safety. However, because they involve unique construction approaches that may be unfamiliar to construction professionals, the cost of AII projects are often perceived to be higher than for conventional designs. This research addressed this problem by identifying inhibitors to the construction of AIIs and enhancers that could improve their construction efficiency. To do so, an online survey was distributed and virtual interviews were conducted to gather knowledge from stakeholders (consultants, designers, and contractors) with experience building AII projects. The results were compiled and assessed to better understand the inhibitors that prevent AII projects from being selected and constructed. The results are promising and help DOTs, contractors, and consultants to focus their resources on minimizing inhibitors to improve project performance. The results show that utilities and right of way are the most prevalent inhibitors that prevent AII projects from being selected and constructed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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18 pages, 1736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LED Traffic Signal Repair and Replacement Practices

by Morgan Westbrook and William Rasdorf

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010808 - 2 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2223

Abstract

Upgrading traffic signal systems from incandescent bulbs to LED modules over the last two decades has vastly improved the sustainability of this ubiquitous transportation asset. Recent technological upgrades have extended the warrantied life of these assets from 5 years to 15 years. With these advancements, it is vital that prioritization be given to sustainable operations and maintenance strategies which take advantage of the extended lifespan and continued reduction in energy consumption of LED modules. One major limiting factor in determining these strategies is that the service life of new 15-year-warrantied LED modules is currently unknown. Through available literature, this paper identifies the expected service life of 5-year-warrantied LED modules, commonly used from the early 2000s to 2022, as a baseline for comparison. Literature also provides insight into current Inspection, Repair, and Replacement practices. Interviews with manufacturers provide insight into current and future lifespan expectations. Finally, feedback from active transportation agencies provides examples of current practices in the absence of official national guidance, of which there is little. Understanding the current state of practice and expectations for the future will allow for the development of a repair and replacement guideline, ultimately taking maximum advantage of these advancements in sustainable technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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17 pages, 5113 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Pedestrian Service of the New Super Diverging Diamond Interchange on Three Case Study Sites in Denver, Colorado

by Muhammad Tahmidul Haq, Amirarsalan Mehrara Molan and Khaled Ksaibati

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16929; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416929 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

Ensuring safe and comfortable conditions for pedestrians necessitates specific strategies at intersections and service interchanges where traffic and pedestrians interact in complex ways with other modes of transportation. This study aims to investigate pedestrian performance at the new Super Diverging Diamond Interchange (Super DDI) using real-world locations (i.e., I-225 and Mississippi Ave, I-25 and 120th Ave, and I-25 and Hampden Ave in Denver, Colorado). Three alternative designs, typical DDI, and two versions of Super DDI were considered to make a reasonable comparison with the existing Conventional Diamond Interchange (CDI). A comprehensive series of simulation models (192 scenarios with 960 runs) were tested using VISSIM and Synchro to analyze pedestrian operation (travel time, number of stops, and waiting time) in various traffic and pedestrian distributions. As one of the primary contributions in this paper, pedestrian safety was evaluated based on a surrogate performance measure called design flag, introduced by the new National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP-948) guideline. The results indicated that the proposed new Super DDI designs are relatively safe when compared with CDI and DDI. For example, a pedestrian analysis of one of the most popular alternative interchanges, DDI, showed potential for unsafe pedestrian conditions in all aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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18 pages, 1984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Priority-Setting Methodology of Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses for Pedestrian Road Construction: Case Study of a National Highway in South Korea

by Woo Hoon Jeon

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16077; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316077 - 1 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1319

Abstract

This study aimed to propose a priority-setting methodology for the construction of pedestrian roads using a set of evaluation methods distinguished from the conventional system using social overhead capital(SOC) evaluation with a focus on economic analysis. Four evaluation indicators were selected in this study: pedestrian fatality risk, surrounding infrastructure, potential pedestrian demand, and manager’s opinion, with a total of 12 attributes across the indicators. Each attribute was designed to allow a quantitative or qualitative evaluation and had a method of estimating and scoring each attribute for set criteria. Regarding the weighting of evaluation indicators, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied as the most widely used method in multi-criteria decision making. The highest weightage was placed on pedestrian fatality risk and surrounding infrastructure among the evaluation indicators and traffic accidents of pedestrian fatality risk among the attributes. To determine the practical application of the proposed methodology, a single-site evaluation was conducted, followed by 385 sites in a similar manner for priority setting. The methodology of priority setting for pedestrian roads proposed in this study can be applied to the priority setting for pedestrian roads, smaller-scale SOC projects including bicycle roads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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24 pages, 2843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Sustainable Assessment and Prioritization of Different Railway Projects Based on a Hybrid MCDM Model

by Ziquan Liu and Yanchun Zhang

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12065; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912065 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1823

Abstract

Railways play an essential role in China’s development, driving economic and social progress while negatively impacting the environment. Assessing different railway projects’ sustainability can maximize the positive effects and minimize the side effects. This article aims to propose a methodological framework containing a series of indicators to evaluate the sustainability of four railway projects in China. A hybrid MCDM (multi-criteria decision-making) method was adopted to analyze the interrelationships among the dimensions and indicators and then present the projects’ differences. The weights of each indicator in the research were studied according to experts’ advice, and the same indicators were of different importance when placed in different research environments, such as developing and developed countries. This helps to establish a developing-country-centered evaluation indicator system. After comparison, it can be seen that Railway A is the best in terms of sustainability, mainly because it is in an economically developed region of China that is rich in construction resources, and is less constrained by natural conditions than other projects. The results show that although environmental sustainability has been improved over the past few years, its low level of influence still urges people to invest more attention and take more actions with significant effects in this respect. Furthermore, railways show significant differences in economic sustainability, while the differences in social sustainability have reduced considerably. This study provides further insight into the investigated measures and proposes recommendations for improving railway transport in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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25 pages, 3954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Evolution Characteristics and Synergistic Relationship between HSR Network and Economic Network in Hubei Province

by Yuejiao Lv and Yajuan Chen

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9076; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159076 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1511

Abstract

We construct high-speed railway (HSR) networks for 15 cities in Hubei Province based on the HSR daily operating frequency panel data from 2009 to 2019 and construct economic networks for these cities through a gravity model. Then, we use social network analysis to explore the topological structure and evolutionary characteristics of the HSR and economic networks and use quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) analysis and coupling coordination to analyze the synergistic relationship between the HSR network and economic network. The results show that both the connectivity of the HSR network in Hubei Province and its interactive structure have improved significantly. The development of the HSR network has promoted the interaction of economic networks, but the economic connection among these cities is still weak. Overall, the two networks show a high correlation, but the development trend of both is not clear in the later stage. In general, the province’s level of coupling and coordination has increased, but local disequilibrium still exists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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13 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model for Sustainable Evaluation of the Impact of the Total Number of Centers for Technical Inspections of Motor Vehicles on the Occurrence and Consequences of Traffic Accidents in an Area

by Đorđe Vranješ, Bojan Marić, Tihomir Đurić, Goran Jovanov, Jovica Vasiljević, Nemanja Jovanov and Dunja Radović Stojčić

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8873; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148873 - 20 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1092

Abstract

Along with the development of capacities for the improvement of traffic safety, this work creates a model that analyzes the impact of the total number of centers for technical inspections of motor vehicles on the occurrence and consequences of accidents in a selected area. By using the statistical program SPSS26 and applying standard multiple regression, an analysis of the statistical correlations between a continuous dependent variable (number of accidents caused by technical malfunctions of vehicles) and two independent variables (number of centers for technical inspections of vehicles and number of vehicles registered by police jurisdictions) was performed. The aim of this work was to determine the influence of a part of the dependent variable’s variance that was explained by the variance of independent variables. The research results showed that the total number of technical inspections in relation to the number of registered vehicles in the selected area included a much larger part of the dependent variable’s variance, which referred to the total number of accidents caused by vehicles’ technical inspections. The results also showed a negative correlation value, i.e., that a larger number of technical inspections in relation to the number of registered vehicles did not have a positive impact on the increase in the number of accidents and consequences where the cause was technical malfunction, as well as that the number of centers and the number of registered vehicles had different influences on the occurrence of accidents and their consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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24 pages, 3083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time-Use and Spatio-Temporal Variables Influence on Physical Activity Intensity, Physical and Social Health of Travelers

by Mujahid Ali, Dimas Bayu Endrayana Dharmowijoyo, Afonso R. G. de Azevedo, Roman Fediuk, Habil Ahmad and Bashir Salah

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12226; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112226 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2180

Abstract

Using a multi-dimensional three-week household time-use and activity diary, this study aims to investigate the interaction between time-use and activity travel participation, built environment, leisure-time physical activity, travel parameters, and physical intensity on physical and social health. The relationship between time-use and activity travel participation is complex. Therefore, physical activity (PA) intensity is assumed to intermediate the relationship between endogenuous and exogenous variables. This study use a comprehensive set of data that was collected at a household level for twenty-one (21) consecutive days. A total of 732 individuals and 191 households were recorded, representing 0.029% total population of Bandung Metropolitan Area (BMA). The data analyzed with descriptive and linear regression analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS version 26.0.0 software (IBM: Armonk, NY, USA). An advanced model, such as the hierarchical Structural Equation Model (SEM), is used to validate the relationship between activity patterns and health parameters. The estimated results indicate that a minute increase in public transport mode has an 8.8% positive correlation with physical health and 9.0% with social health. Furthermore, an increase in the one-minute duration of in-home maintenance and out-of-home leisure activities are positively correlated by 2.9% and 3.2%, respectively, with moderate-intensity PA and by 4.5% and 1.8% strenuous-intensity PA. Additionally, high accessibility and availability of basic amenities at a walkable distance and using auxiliary time in social activities are significantly correlated with better physical and social health. Moreover, this study adopted multidisciplinary approaches for better transport policy and a healthier society with a better quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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Review

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20 pages, 3870 KiB

Open AccessReview

Health Impacts of COVID-19 through the Changes in Mobility

by Soheil Sohrabi, Fang Shu, Anika Gupta, Morteza Hossein Sabbaghian, Amirarsalan Mehrara Molan and Soheil Sajjadi

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4095; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054095 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

Understanding the wider effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health is needed to respond sufficiently to the impacts and facilitate recovery. We studied the secondary health impacts of COVID-19 through the changes in transportation using a ripple effect mode. Three ripples are defined to reflect the impacts of COVID-19 on (1) transportation and the systems behind it, (2) transportation-related health risk factors, and (3) public health. COVID-19 impacts on transportation are synthesized through six areas: transportation demand, transportation mode, traffic safety, land use and built environment, transportation jobs, and transportation equity. These changes are further associated with decreased transportation-related air pollution, greenhouse gases, noise, heat, and stress. Higher rates of road casualties were observed in the area of COVID-19. Social exclusion and limitations in accessibility to healthcare and healthy food were identified as negative consequences of changes in transportation. There are uncertainties in the rate of active transportation (i.e., walking and cycling) and related crashes that require further investigation. The findings of this study uncover the complex and relatively unknown impacts of COVID-19 on public health through changes in transportation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure)

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