BACKGROUND

The seventh edition of AASHTO’s A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (Green Book) introduces a broader set of land use classifications for state transportation officials. NCHRP Project 15-72, “Identification of AASHTO Context Classifications” developed practical information to help state, regional, and local practitioners identify the appropriate context classification(s) for an area or a transportation project. Critical questions were (1) what are the context(s), (2) how will the context(s) change spatially and temporally, and (3) what are the implications for the various travel modes. The final report was published as NCHRP Research Report 1022: Context Classification Application: A Guide.

Additionally, NCHRP Project 20-68A, Scan 21-02, "Leading Approaches to Implementing Context-Based Classification of Roadways in Planning and Design” describes the experiences of states implementing the context classifications. The scan’s focus was to identify best practices and lessons learned that may be valuable to others working on implementing context-based classification. 

Applying context classifications to benefit all users may seem complex to those who haven’t applied them previously. State departments of transportation (DOTs) need training materials and resources to support this.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research is to develop training materials and resources for nationwide implementation of context classifications by state DOTs. These materials should be flexible enough to integrate context classifications with different processes at multiple state DOTs.

Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks.

STATUS

Work has been initiated. The interim report is expected in December 2024.