The mathematical macroscopic optimization procedures for transportation safety resource allocation in local urban jurisdictions.

Abstract

Two mathematical programming models, named the Feasibility Assessment Technique and the Optimality Assessment procedure, are developed in this dissertation to select, analyze and allocate safety countermeasures that result in saving more human lives and to insure that the capital funds are used effectively.

The Optimality Assessment Technique develops a goal programming model to the multi-objective decision problem of highway funds safety allocation. The model allows the decision maker to review critically the priority structure for goals in view of a solution derived by the model. In addition, the proposed procedure includes a variety of computer programming to aid the local, state and federal government decision makers in analyzing and allocating financial resources for traffic safety improvement programs.

With decreasing growth in revenues, and increasing competition for scarce funds, there is an urgent need to carefully access safety project priorities and improve local traffic program management. This dissertation is a response to this important issue.

Utilization of the proposed methodology is recommended to state and local decision makers and is necessary not only because substantial sums of money are involved in safety improvement programs, but also, and more importantly, because lives might be lost if highly effective countermeasures are underestimated as the result of the subjective judgment commonly used in local urban traffic agencies.