7.2.1 Scoping Elements

When scoping out corridor planning projects, it is important to understand that the nature of corridor planning makes it hard to apply a “one size fits all” solution. Instead, it is important to have a set of guiding principles and understanding of general content needed for each type of study when approaching the three types of corridor planning projects.
Feasibility studies
 are performed when the project is in the early stages of development. The study helps determine whether the project can move forward to more in-depth schematic design, environmental analysis, public involvement, and ROW mapping. General contents of a feasibility study include but are not limited to:
  • Potential alternative alignments for a corridor;
    • General ROW footprint of alternative alignments
  • High-level safety analysis and traffic analysis;
    • Recommendations for improving safety and mobility
  • High-level construction costs; and
  • Feasibility study report:
    • Purpose and need
    • Alternative alignments graphics and maps
    • Summary of stakeholder engagement and public outreach
    • Summary of traffic and safety analysis
Route studies
 are performed to identify build option(s) for further detailed schematic design and/or environmental impact analysis. Route options may include construction of roadways on new alignments or providing improvements along existing facilities to increase capacity, enhance mobility, and improve safety. General contents of a route study include but are not limited to:
  • Summaries of meetings with stakeholders and public;
  • Feasibility studies previously performed on the route;
  • Maps and graphics that show study area limits, environmental features, route options, etc.; and
  • Technical memoranda related to:
    • Traffic analysis methodology, existing and future traffic conditions, crash analysis (crash rate, concentrated areas)
    • Engineering considerations, including design criteria, typical section(s), route option evaluation, and preliminary cost estimates (construction, ROW acquisition, utility relocations and adjustments)
    • Other subject matter as warranted
  • Route study report
    • Purpose and need;
    • Correspondence/resolutions from coordination with public agencies (cities, counties, metropolitan and rural planning organizations);
    • Summary of stakeholder engagement and public outreach;
    • Inventory of existing transportation infrastructure and conditions (traffic operations, safety, and geometric);
    • Environmental features and land use – Water resources, natural resources, historical landmarks, parks, schools, first responder facilities, future land uses;
    • Summary of traffic and safety analysis;
    • Route options and evaluation process and results; and
    • Findings based on the overall process, which could include recommending a route option(s) or course of action
Corridor studies
 are typically conducted along a State system route that is analyzed from a regional or statewide perspective. The general contents of a corridor study include but are not limited to:
  • Maps and graphics that show study area limits, environmental features, and conceptual plans;
  • Summaries of meetings with stakeholders, public, and other groups/individuals; and Traffic and Safety Analysis Procedures Manual | 2024 7-4
  • Technical memoranda related to:
    • Traffic analysis methodology, existing and future traffic conditions, crash analysis (crash rate, concentrated areas)
    • Engineering considerations, including design criteria, typical section(s), route option evaluation, preliminary cost estimates (construction, ROW acquisition, utility relocations and adjustments)
    • Other subject matter, as warranted
  • Traffic analysis methodology, existing and future traffic conditions, crash analysis (crash rate, concentrated areas) o Engineering considerations, including design criteria, typical section(s), route option evaluation, preliminary cost estimates (construction, ROW acquisition, utility relocations and adjustments) o Other subject matter, as warranted
    • Background information such as previous studies conducted on the corridor;
    • Purpose and need;
    • Inventory of existing transportation infrastructure and conditions (traffic operations, safety, and geometric);
    • Correspondence/resolutions from coordination with public agencies (cities, counties, metropolitan and rural planning organizations);
    • Environmental features and land use – Water resources, natural resources, historical landmarks, parks, schools, first responder facilities, future land uses;
    • Description, development process, and evaluation of alternatives;
    • Implementation plan of prioritized projects; and
    • Other findings and recommendations, as warranted