Measure of Environmental Impact Based On Traffic Congestion
Team Members Heading link
- Daniel Koltys
- Philip Kwasinski
- Matthew Lebiedzinski
Advisors: Dr. Jie Lin; Joseph A. Lewis, PE
Project Description Heading link
Illinois Route 47 between U.S. Route 14 and Charles Road is predicted to endure severe amounts of congestion over the next 20 years, leading to a substantial increase in emissions. Although current congestion levels are moderate, if untouched, this will cause serious traffic impact with environmental side effects for future citizens of Woodstock (Illinois, USA). Typically, passenger vehicles emit around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. This can be reduced, because carbon dioxide emissions increase if a vehicle is going at a speed of less than 45 mph. These issues affect the longevity of the planet, which is why a plan was devised to target traffic congestion and will promote positive emission ratings.
Woodstock consists of major routes in the surrounding area, such as IL Route 47 and U.S. Route 14, where most congestion occurs. To combat this, a plan was devised to analyze the congestion levels within these routes. Three cases will be modeled: previous road conditions, future road conditions with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) improvements, and future road conditions without any modifications.
These models will be created and analyzed for three main objectives. These objectives are congestion with emission reduction, usability of the newly designed structures, and the economic feasibility of the project long term. IDOT design reports suggest that the five-mile strip will eventually decrease in traffic conditions from moderate to acute throughout various areas. Previous design work showed that widening the roadway increased the level of service. This change shows that congestion can be reduced, thus increasing the average speed over 45 mph. Applying this approach with IL Route 47 model will show a positive change in level of service as well as delay times, density, and rush hour speeds through reducing greenhouse gases and pollutants from route modifications.