Route studies are typically conducted in an area around one or two cities/towns currently experiencing, or forecasted to experience, adverse traffic congestion that have safety issues due to outdated roadway design or need to determine routes for freight traffic. These studies typically follow-up a feasibility study. The purpose of a route study is to identify a preferred route that meets the local and regional travel needs. A route study is part of the Planning phase of the project development process and documents transportation needs for the purpose of subsequent detailed schematic and environmental studies.