External link: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/research/docs/research_proj/growth/final_report_jun13.pdf
Publication date: June 1, 2013
Capsule summary: This research developed an assessment process for Montana practitioners to determine the indirect effects of transportation projects on local land use.
Author(s): The Louis Berger Group, Inc.
Publisher(s): Montana Department of Transportation
Definition: Examining the environmental impacts of transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/environment/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Jfb
Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/dot/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Nggj
Definition: Report published by a governmental body or other organization (e.g. FHWA, NAS, etc.)
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/resource-type/report/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Description: Considering the influence of transportation project development on community land use, a streamlined assessment process is valuable to transportation decision-makers. This project reviewed assessment strategies for evaluating the indirect effects of transportation projects, and used current practices to inform the development of guidance materials for transportation planners at the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT).
Objectives: The objective of this research was to develop an Indirect Effects Desk Reference to inform transportation decisions. The Desk Reference outlines the indirect effects of transportation projects on land use, and equips practitioners with strategies for analyzing outcomes of decisions. This report includes findings from review of existing literature, the development of an indirect effects screening process, and the development of an indirect effects detailed analysis process. The report provides an overview of the development of the Desk Reference and recommendations for future process improvements. The Desk Reference is included as an appendix to the report.
Findings: The project culminated in the creation of the Indirect Effects Desk Reference, which included a five-step screening process and a seven-step detailed analysis framework, in order to assist practitioners as they decide whether projects require further review in relation to land use. The use of the Desk Reference can guide decision makers at MDT, and provides a framework that may be adaptable for practitioners at other agencies.
Recommendations: This report recommends the use of the guidance materials developed through the project research, and the continued improvement of the guidance framework. The report emphasizes the value of screening projects to determine indirect effects on land use at the local level, in order to comply with environmental regulations and to develop a transportation network that meets a wide range of needs for the surrounding community.
Research Theme: Environment
Community Type:
Transportation Mode:
Planning Scope:
Organization Type: DOT
Planning Subject: Facility or Land Use, Forecasting, Planning Methods, Transportation Planning