The Illinois Department of Transportation utilizes a data-driven process to evaluate capacity expansion projects. We recently added an emissions criterion to this process, employing our statewide travel demand model to pair estimated future travel after network changes with emission rates developed from the EPA’s Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES). This process allows us to compare expected emissions in no build vs. build conditions across the state for large projects, and the emissions criterion represents a step forward in the complex terrain of estimating project-level greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.

(Chris Berrens, Minnesota DOT - Anna Pierce, Minnesota DOT - Jason Gottfired, Minnesota DOT - Sophie Blumenstein, Illinois DOT)