A future conditions analysis is developed using the traffic projections and analyzing future nobuild and build conditions using the projected traffic volumes. Traffic analysis of future conditions is typically based on opening year and/or design year. Typically, traffic volumes for future no-build and build conditions analysis remain the same. However, there could be some exceptions for new alignment routes, access modifications, and existing facilities with oversaturated conditions. Discuss and document any exceptions.

The

No-build analysis

is developed using the existing conditions plus any committed projects that could be built between the existing year and future analysis year. This analysis determines the impact of future traffic growth on MOEs if existing conditions and committed projects remain in the future. It also provides a comparison between the current conditions (existing conditions analysis) and traffic conditions in the future if no further action is taken.

The

Build conditions analysis

is developed by analyzing improvements based on issues observed in the existing conditions and future no-build conditions. Build conditions analysis includes alternatives analysis, which is a decision-making process where multiple alternatives are evaluated to select a preferred alternative. When evaluating future conditions, it is important to have several mitigation options, as some could be more favorable than others, based on stakeholder input, ROW impacts, the B/C ratio, or environmental factors. To evaluate multiple alternatives, develop a screening process and an evaluation matrix based on MOEs, stakeholder inputs, and other constraints. See

Chapter 8

for more information on developing alternatives, screening process, and evaluating alternatives.