The TIM-BC tool enables users to evaluate and compare the monetary value of a wide range of TIM strategies. The guidance provided in the Desk Reference includes the fundamental background information for B/C analysis, while the user’s manual for the TIM-BC tool focuses on the evaluation of operations impacts attributed to the following eight TIM-specific TSMO project types:

To conduct a B/C analysis using the TIM-BC tool, users are recommended to first input basic project-level information, including the project name, State in which the program operates, number of segments the project operates on, duration of the study period, number of annual incidents within the project’s boundaries, and annual total project cost.

The next step of the TIM-BC tool involves segment information for each of the segments identified in the initial project-level input step. This step includes the input of details about the roadway geometry (segment length, number of lanes, general terrain, etc.), program information (operation time and average incident duration savings), traffic information (posted speed limit, traffic volumes, truck percentage), and weather information.

The project output screen displays the tool’s calculated savings for a variety of factors, such as hours of delay, gallons of fuel, number of secondary accidents, and different emissions. The user selects which of these factors the TIMBC tool are used to determine the B/C ratio.