Abstract "The research project will evaluate whether the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (Iowa DOT) minimum separation standards between interchanges and first access points are overly restrictive and potentially detrimental to development opportunities around those interchanges. To achieve this, the project will utilize deep learning techniques to analyze high-resolution aerial photographs to identify interchanges on state-owned roadways, their first driveway access points, and the specific aspects of development status, such as the presence of commercial or residential buildings, vacant land, or agricultural use of the surrounding land. Crash data from the Iowa dataset will be examined to assess safety outcomes about these separation distances. A critical part of the analysis will involve evaluating the economic potential of these lands and estimating the impact of separation standards on land utilization and potential economic growth.
In addition to state-owned interchanges, the study will identify non-interchange intersections with roadways with similar AADT levels, the number of lanes, if a median is present, and other relevant geometric features to access management. The closest access point will be determined for these intersections, mirroring the approach taken with the interchanges. The crash history for these locations will be retrieved to compare the safety performance of interchanges and non-interchange intersections directly.
This analysis, focusing on interchange and access point separation distances, will help isolate the effect of these separation standards on safety and development, controlling for traffic volume and other features. By examining interchange and non-interchange sites under similar conditions, the research will determine if the minimum separation distances at interchanges are justified or could be adjusted to better balance safety with economic development, potentially informing future policy decisions. The research will also determine the amount of developable land that could be available should the standards be relaxed."
Description "The research project will evaluate whether the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (Iowa DOT) minimum separation standards between interchanges and first access points are overly restrictive and potentially detrimental to development opportunities around those interchanges. To achieve this, the project will utilize deep learning techniques to analyze high-resolution aerial photographs to identify interchanges on state-owned roadways, their first driveway access points, and the specific aspects of development status, such as the presence of commercial or residential buildings, vacant land, or agricultural use of the surrounding land. Crash data from the Iowa dataset will be examined to assess safety outcomes about these separation distances. A critical part of the analysis will involve evaluating the economic potential of these lands and estimating the impact of separation standards on land utilization and potential economic growth.
In addition to state-owned interchanges, the study will identify non-interchange intersections with roadways with similar AADT levels, the number of lanes, if a median is present, and other relevant geometric features to access management. The closest access point will be determined for these intersections, mirroring the approach taken with the interchanges. The crash history for these locations will be retrieved to compare the safety performance of interchanges and non-interchange intersections directly.
This analysis, focusing on interchange and access point separation distances, will help isolate the effect of these separation standards on safety and development, controlling for traffic volume and other features. By examining interchange and non-interchange sites under similar conditions, the research will determine if the minimum separation distances at interchanges are justified or could be adjusted to better balance safety with economic development, potentially informing future policy decisions. The research will also determine the amount of developable land that could be available should the standards be relaxed."
Objective This research project aligns with several of the USDOT Strategic Goals. It addresses safety by examining the impact of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s minimum separation standards on road safety, aiming to substantiate or challenge their effectiveness in reducing traffic incidents. The project also addresses economic strength and global competitiveness by evaluating the potential economic consequences of these standards on land development, ensuring that transportation policies are conducive to fostering economic growth and do not inadvertently impede competitiveness. Additionally, the project addresses equality, considering the equitable distribution of economic impacts and ensuring that transportation infrastructure development does not disproportionately disadvantage any community, promoting equal opportunities for all. Lastly, the project embodies transformation through its innovative use of deep learning technology, marking a progressive step in public policy analysis and setting a new standard for data-driven decision-making in transportation planning.
Impacts/Benefits "The broader impact of this study on the Iowa Department of Transportation’s minimum separation standards addresses issues across several sectors. It will influence transportation policy by providing a data-driven basis for revising safety and development standards, which other regions or nations could adopt. The insights into the economic implications of these standards could significantly influence land use planning, fostering more strategic and beneficial development around interchanges. Regarding public safety, the research could enhance our understanding of infrastructure design’s role in reducing traffic incidents, thereby contributing to the well-being of communities.
Academically, the project’s innovative use of deep learning in transportation planning could spur new research directions, bridging technology and public policy. Methodologically, demonstrating the effectiveness of advanced analytical techniques could inspire a broader adoption of such methods, revolutionizing policy development across different sectors.
Furthermore, improvements in transportation infrastructure, guided by the study’s findings, could bolster a region’s global competitiveness and economic resilience. The study can potentially advance safety, economic development, and equity."