Route studies are typically conducted in an area around one or two cities/towns that is or is forecasted to experience adverse traffic congestion, has unsafe operating conditions due to outdated roadway design or other circumstances where a route study is warranted. This type of study is typically conducted when it is known from a feasibility study or other data such as vehicle crash information and traffic projections, that a “no-build” option or Transportation Systems Management and Operations-type solutions would not alleviate the problems.

The purpose of a route study is to identify a specific build option(s) for further detailed schematic design and/or environmental impact analysis. There is no guarantee that after the study such an option would be identified and/or implemented due to such variables as public controversy as well as fatal flaws such as excessive cost, extensive right of way acquisition or potentially significant environmental impacts.

As part of the route option development process, broader corridors may first need to be defined in the study area in collaboration with the public where reasonable route options can be developed and would have general community support. Route options typically include the construction of roadways on new alignment or along the existing highway where substantial improvements that would increase capacity, such as new main lanes and/or frontage roads, enhance mobility, such as limiting access and grade separations such as overpasses and interchanges, and improve safety. Route options may also include design elements to accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians, public transportation and railroads. Route studies do not include high-occupancy vehicle lanes, high-occupancy/toll lanes, and tolled facilities or managed lanes as route options.