High way Finance Data Collection

Our Nation's Highways: 2010

Figure 2-3: 2008 Interstate Travel Peak Hour Operating Conditions

V/C – the Volume to Capacity ratio analysis is primarily based on data from Highway Performance Monitoring System, Travel Monitoring and Analysis System.

V/C < 0.8 – typically indicates adequate capacity.
V/C > 0.8 – roadway approaching or exceeding capacity – unstable travel.
V/C > 1.0 – roadway exceeds capacity – highly congested and unstable travel.

In 2008, travel data covering urban interstate highways during peak travel time indicates that approximately 14% of travel was experiencing moderate congestion, and 37% was experiencing the so called "stopgo" highly congested condition. On the other hand, only 2% of travel on rural interstate highways was experiencing moderate congestion and less than 1% was experiencing highly congested condition during peak travel time.

Data Source: US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Office of Highway Policy Information, Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS), Travel Monitoring and Analysis System (TMAS).