UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies

The numerous effects roads have on the surrounding environment were investigated and geographically modeled. Several of these effects were then isolated and looked at in greater detail, developing a model that represents the various interactions between a road and the surrounding region. These road effects could be expressed in a GIS (geographic information system) environment, based on user-inputs. A traffic noise model was used to estimate the extent and intensity of this road effect. Environmental attributes were also summarized within the traffic noise effect zone as an example of evaluation of road effects useful during early transportation planning. The model was designed to be a proof-of-concept of a standalone tool for environmental and transportation planners in local and state agencies.