DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF THE BENEFITS MATRIX MODEL FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECT EVALUATION

This paper describes the development and application of a procedure for evaluating proposed urban highway projects that can serve as a framework for establishing statewide construction priorities. It also provides guidelines for local officials who need to select and prioritize projects on an urban area basis. The research methodology included the following sequential steps: (1) evaluating previously developed priority models; (2) specifying criteria for the model; (3) model building; and (4) testing the model by using candidate urban highway projects from three North Carolina test cities. A benefits matrix model for transportation project evaluation, consisting of five elements designed to provide the decision maker with relevant project evaluation information that directly relates to transportation planning objectives, was developed.