9.1.1 Overview

This chapter covers the following types of segment analysis: basic freeway segments, basic multi-lane highways, weaving segments, merge and diverge segments, two-lane highways, arterial segments, and frontage roads. Definitions of the various facility types are provided later in this section. Three levels of detail are used to describe tools recommended for segment analysis:
  • Sketch-level or macroscopic tools are typically used for projects in the Planning stage or for projects with a large geographic scope. These tools include:
    • TDM
    • Service volume tables
  • HCM-based (mesoscopic) tools are typically used for projects in the Preliminary Schematics stage or for projects that need moderate levels of detail. These tools include:
    • HCS, FREEVAL, and HCM-CALC
  • Microsimulation (microscopic) tools consider individual vehicles and their movements and are typically used for projects in the Final/Approved Schematics and Design stage. These tools include:
    • Vissim and CORSIM
The tools available to perform each type of analysis are shown in based on segment type and level of detail.