As part of a research project on transportation right sizing, NCHRP Project 20-44(2),the TREDPLAN system is being applied to provide Iowa with updated freight and employment forecasts that reflect a post-COVID future, as well as forecasts for alternative future scenarios that reflect potential future shifts in technology (e-commerce and telecommuting) and international trade for Iowa products.
These TREDPLAN scenarios are being used by Iowa DOT to establish potential ranges and uncertainty considerations for travel demand, including consideration of “right sizing” strategies for I-80 capacity investments. The Des Moines Area MPO is also using the TREDPLAN post-COVID and technology adoption employment scenarios to assess longer-term impacts of telecommuting on future traffic growth and associated considerations of uncertainty, potentially affecting road investment needs.
| “Right Sizing” aligns the size and use of legacy infrastructure with fundamental change in economic and user needs |
