The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) is the most widely distributed publication of the Transportation Research Board (TRB). It presents fundamental information and computational techniques on the quality of service and capacity of highway facilities. An up-to-date compilation of this information is vital to an expanding array of public policy, planning, fiscal, land-use regulation, design, operational, and educational applications.

The objectives of this research were to identify gaps in knowledge and procedures and to recommend a user-preferred format and delivery system for the Highway Capacity Manual to be published in the year 2000 (HCM2000).

The research consisted of the following tasks: (1) Conduct a state-of-the-art review to inventory and summarize domestic and international experience on analysis of capacity and quality of service since 1985. The review should include literature, software, practice, and research and may also include interviews with key researchers. (2) Design, test, conduct, and analyze a user survey. As a minimum, the survey should (a) inventory user characteristics and capabilities, (b) poll users on key issues, and (c) identify user expectations and needs pertinent to the format and delivery of the HCM2000. Focus groups may be used to augment the survey. (3) Identify and critically review key issues affecting capacity and quality of service. Key issues include, but are not limited to: consistency of measures of effectiveness (MOEs) within and among chapters; correlation of MOEs with field data; types and levels of congestion; analysis period and peak-hour factors; system versus point analysis; evolving transportation technologies; and the treatment of transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities. (4) By June 1, 1995, submit an interim report presenting the results of Tasks 1 through 3 and the preliminary criteria to be used in Task 6 to evaluate formats and delivery systems. Report on the progress and findings at the July 1995 TRB Highway Capacity and Quality of Service (HCQS) Committee Meeting. (5) Identify major gaps in knowledge or techniques and recommend research needed to complete the HCM2000. By September 30, 1995, submit a working paper to NCHRP documenting these findings. This paper will be used by the TRB HCQS Committee to help identify and assign priorities to research needs. (6) Inventory and evaluate potential delivery systems including the full range from traditional to emerging technologies. Consider alternative combinations of formats and delivery systems as they relate to different user needs. Use the evaluation criteria identified in the Task 4 report and approved by NCHRP. (7) Present conceptual prototypes of alternative formats and delivery systems along with preliminary evaluations at the January 1996 TRB HCQS Committee Meeting. Submit the presentation notes to NCHRP by January 1, 1996. Meet with the NCHRP Panel after the presentation to determine the course of action for the remainder of the project. (8) Develop a recommended format(s) and delivery system(s). Test a prototype of the recommended format(s) and system(s) with a representative sample of users. (9) Prepare the final report including the recommended format(s) and delivery system(s). The report should present the results of the Task 8 test (showing how the needs of a variety of users are met) and a detailed plan for the compilation of the HCM2000 (including estimated costs). Present the report contents at a July 1996 TRB HCQS Committee Meeting.

Status: The revised final report was submitted on October 31, 1996, and served as the basis for NCHRP Project 3-55(6).