Detailed Findings

An important component of this study is to measure trends in satisfaction ratings over time. The 2005 study was more extensive in nature than previous work. However, there are areas where results are directly comparable. The following sections contain detailed findings of satisfaction measures in each of the key program areas and, where available, comparisons with the previous data.

The Technical Report and supporting Banner Tabulations and Special Analyses provide complete details. These are available upon request from the Federal Highway Administration.

Safety

Feelings of Safety

Respondents were asked to indicate whether they feel safe or unsafe while driving under fourteen different conditions. A composite score was computed to reflect the extent to which travelers feel safe by averaging the scores across all fourteen variables.

• Travelers generally feel safe driving in different conditions - overall mean of 3.74 on a five-point scale where five represents "very safe."
  • Fifteen percent (15%) of all travelers feel very safe and 55 percent feel somewhat safe. This is nearly the same as in 1999, when 71 percent of U.S. residents felt that the roads and highways in the U.S. were safe.¹⁴
• Travelers feel the most safe in the following conditions:
  • Driving or traveling during the day,
  • Driving on local neighborhood streets, and
  • Driving where access is controlled by signaling and/or the presence of on / off ramps.
• Travelers feel less safe under the following conditions:
  • Driving through or approaching uncontrolled intersections and/or railroad crossings,
  • Driving / traveling in bad weather,
  • Driving / traveling when roads are congested, and
  • Driving / traveling at night.
• Feelings of safety while driving relate to age and gender with women feeling less safe than men and older drivers feeling less safe than younger drivers. The key issue is driving at night. This is consistent with other research conducted in 2002 that found that one in five drivers 65 and older do not drive at night.¹⁵

* Mean based on 5-point scale where "1" means "very unsafe" and "5" means "very safe."

Travelers feel generally safe while traveling on the nation's roads and highways.

They feel most safe driving and traveling during the day.

They feel least safe when approaching uncontrolled intersections and/or railroad crossing and while driving in bad weather.

Satisfaction with Roadway Safety Programs

The survey included a series of questions to measure their satisfaction with specific aspects of roadway safety. Responses were recorded on a 5-point satisfaction scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied."

In addition to rating specific aspects of roadway safety, respondents also gave the system an overall grade for roadway safety. Respondents gave a letter grade between A meaning excellent and F meaning failing. They could also apply plus or minus ratings. Grades were then converted to a continuous four-point scale ranging from 0.0 for failing and 4.0 for excellent.

Regression analysis was then used to determine the extent to which satisfaction with these specific 15 roadway safety programs relate to the overall grade travelers give for programs to improve roadway safety.

Overall Grade - Overall Roadway Safety

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.52 or a B minus for roadway safety - as measured on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an "A / Excellent" and 0.0 is an F / Failing. Eleven percent (11%) gave the system an A grade; 47 percent give the system a B grade.
  • Travelers in the Midwest and, to a lesser extent, the West gives the system significantly higher grades for overall roadway safety than do those in the Northeast and South. Travelers in the South give the system the lowest grade for overall roadway safety

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Travelers in the Midwest give the system the highest grade for overall roadway safety; the South the lowest.

Overall Grade - Programs to Improve Highway Safety

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.50 or a B minus for programs and efforts to improve highway safety - as measured on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A / Excellent and 0.0 is an F / Failing.
  • Twelve percent (12%) gave the system an A grade; 43 percent give the system a B grade. This grade is slightly lower than the grade given to overall highway safety, suggesting that travelers are not aware of all the programs. This could represent an opportunity to communicate what has been done to improve the most important system characteristic.
  • Again, travelers in the Midwest and West give the system significantly higher grades for programs to improve highway safety than do those in the Northeast and South. Travelers in the West give the system the highest grades for these efforts.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Travelers in the Midwest give the system the highest grade for programs to improve highway safety. Travelers in the South and Northeast give a significantly lower grade.

Satisfaction with Roadway Safety Programs and Impact on Overall Grade

• In general, travelers are satisfied with the myriad of programs implemented to improve roadway safety - an overall mean of 3.88 on a scale where "5" means "very satisfied." All programs receive a rating well above the mid-point of three.
• Travelers are most satisfied with:
  • The use of hazard warning signs,
  • The use of rumble strips to warn of roadway departures,
  • Enforcement of seat belt laws,
  • The width of lanes, and
  • The use of safety barriers.
• While still satisfied, with all variables achieving a mean rating above the mid-point on the scale, travelers are less satisfied with:
  • The extent of roadway lighting,
  • The enforcement of laws at intersections,
  • Pavement treatments that make roads skid resistant in wet weather,
  • Width of shoulders, and
  • The availability of emergency road information.
• Satisfaction with the different roadway safety programs varies significantly by region. Those living in the Northeast and South are significantly less satisfied with these programs than are those in the West and Midwest.
• Travelers living in smaller states are less satisfied overall with roadway safety programs than are those living in larger states. This could suggest that less money has been invested in these programs in these smaller states. The breakpoint in terms of population size is 5 million.
• Improvements in seven aspects of safety could have a significant impact on the overall grade. They are listed in order of likely impact with investments in these areas of most influence on travelers' overall grade for roadway safety listed first. Those in bold represent areas that have a significant impact on the overall grade and satisfaction ratings below-average.
  • Enforcement of speed limits and improved roadway lighting. Note travelers are less satisfied with roadway lighting than with enforcement of speed limit laws.
  • Better pavement markings.
  • Pavement treatments to improve skid resistance in wet weather.
  • Length of merge lanes.
  • Increased availability of emergency road information.
  • Use of rumble strips to notify of roadway departures.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for delays from road work serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to pavement conditions serving as the independent variables.

Better enforcement of speed limit laws and improved roadway lighting would have the greatest impact on the grade travelers give to overall roadway safety.

Travelers are less satisfied with roadway lighting than with enforcement of speed limit laws.

Changes in Satisfaction with Roadway Safety

• There have been some significant changes in satisfaction with all aspects of roadway safety since 2000, a continuance of the increases first noted between 1995 and 2000. These greatest increases are noted for:
  • Use of skid resistant paving materials - a 57 percent increase in satisfaction from 1995. Note satisfaction with safety barriers increased 26 percent since 2000 so much of this increase occurred in the past 5 years. and
  • Roadway light - a 50 percent increase in satisfaction from 1995.
  • Safety barriers - a 45 percent increase in satisfaction from 1995. Note satisfaction with safety barriers increased 18 percent since 2000 so much of this increase occurred in the past 5 years.
  • Shoulder width - a 40 percent increase in satisfaction from 1995.
  • In addition, there has been a significant increase (43%) in satisfaction with the availability of emergency information from 2000 when the question was first asked. There has been a corresponding decrease in the percentage of travelers dissatisfied.
• Despite these increases in satisfaction, there have also been some increases in the percentage of dissatisfied travelers. Notably,
  • There has been a significant increase in the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with the use of skid resistant paving materials to improve traction.
  • There has been a steady increase in the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with pavement markings. This may reflect recent budget cutbacks and possibly delays in maintaining this aspect of the system as frequently as in the past.

There has been significant increases traveler satisfaction with all aspects of roadway safety but notably for use of skid resistant paving materials, roadway lighting, safety barriers, shoulder width, and availability of emergency road information.

Satisfaction with Pedestrian Safety and Mobility

With the expanded focus on the entire transportation system, new questions were added in the 2005 survey to address pedestrian safety and mobility. Respondents were asked a series of questions to measure their satisfaction with specific aspects of pedestrian safety and mobility. Responses were recorded on a 5-point satisfaction scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied."

In addition to rating specific aspects of pedestrian safety and mobility, respondents also gave the system an overall grade for pedestrian safety and mobility. Respondents gave a letter grade between "A" meaning "Excellent," and "F" meaning "Failing." Respondents could also apply a plus or minus rating. Grades were then converted to a continuous four-point scale ranging from "0.0" for "Failing" and "4.0" for "Excellent."

Regression analysis was then used to determine the extent to which satisfaction with specific pedestrian programs are related to the overall grade travelers give for pedestrian safety and mobility.

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.38 or a C plus (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an "A / Excellent" and 0.0 is an "F / Failing") for pedestrian safety and mobility. The overall quadrant analysis indicates that pedestrian safety and mobility is a critical weakness of the nation's transportation system.
• Fourteen percent (14%) of all travelers give the system an A for pedestrian safety and mobility; 37 percent give the system a B grade.
• Pedestrian safety and mobility is a significant problem in the southern states.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Travelers give pedestrian safety and mobility an overall grade of 2.38 or a C plus (C+).

Pedestrian safety and mobility is a significant problem in the South.

• In addition to these regional differences, there are other key segments that give the system lower grades and/or are dissatisfied with specific aspects of pedestrian safety and mobility. These include:
  • While potentially counterintuitive, travelers living in rural areas are more likely to give the system grades of A (20%) and B (36%) than are those in urban (14% A grades and 34% B grades) and suburban communities (12% A grades and 39% B grades). Concerns about safety in work zones are the only aspect of pedestrian safety and mobility that clearly distinguishes these travelers.
  • While there is no significant difference in the overall grades given to pedestrian safety and mobility, pedestrians are less satisfied with their safety and mobility than are those who do not walk. Specifically, pedestrians are more concerned than non-pedestrians with the posting and enforcement of speed limits in school zones and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
  • Hispanic travelers are significantly more likely to give a failing grade for pedestrian safety and mobility. Seventeen percent (17%) of Hispanic travelers give the system a failing grade for pedestrian safety and mobility compared with only 7 percent of non-Hispanic travelers. They are most concerned about the posting and enforcement of speed limits in work zones, safety when crossing in work zones, and the general availability of sidewalks.
  • Low-income travelers (those with household incomes below $30,000) are more likely to express concerns about the availability of sidewalks. This may reflect the nature of the neighborhoods in which they reside, which may be less likely to have sidewalks.
  • Travelers without cars are also more likely than those with cars to give the system a failing grade for pedestrian safety and mobility - 17 percent compared with 8 percent respectively. The general availability of sidewalks appears to be the most significant problem for this population segment.

Satisfaction with Efforts to Improve Pedestrian Safety and Mobility and Impact on Overall Grade

• Travelers are generally satisfied with pedestrian safety and mobility - giving an overall satisfaction rating of 3.63 on a five-point scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" is the mid-point. All attributes receive a rating well above the midpoint - with the lowest rating given for availability of mid-block crosswalks.
• Improvement in four of the nine pedestrian programs measured could a significant impact on the overall grade. These programs are listed in order of likely impact - that is, investments in this area will have the most influence on travelers' overall grade for pedestrian safety and mobility. Those in bold represent areas that have a significant impact on the overall grade and where satisfaction ratings are below average.
  • Coexistence of roadways and pedestrian walkways,
  • Overall availability of sidewalks,
  • Availability of crosswalks at intersections, and
  • Accessibility for persons with disabilities.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for pedestrian safety and mobility serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to pedestrian safety and mobility serving as the independent variables.

Better coexistence between roadways and pedestrian walkways and more availability of sidewalks would have the greatest impact on travelers' overall grade for pedestrian safety and mobility.

Satisfaction with Bicycle Safety and Mobility

With the expanded focus on the entire transportation system, new questions were added in the 2005 survey to address bicycle safety and mobility. Respondents were asked a series of questions to measure their satisfaction with specific aspects of bicycle safety and mobility. Responses were recorded on a 5-point satisfaction scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied."

In addition to rating specific aspects of bicycle safety and mobility, respondents also gave the system an overall grade for bicycle safety and mobility. Respondents gave a letter grade between "A" meaning "Excellent," and "F" meaning "Failing." Respondents could also apply plus or minus ratings. Grades were then converted to a continuous four-point scale ranging from "0.0" for "Failing" and "4.0" for "Excellent."

Regression analysis was then used to determine the extent to which satisfaction with these specific 15 roadway safety programs are related to the overall grade travelers give for programs to improve roadway safety.

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation an overall grade of 2.03 or a C (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an "A / Excellent" and 0.0 is an "F / Failing") for bicycle safety and mobility. Bicycle safety and mobility received the lowest grade of all system attributes. However, the overall quadrant analysis does not suggest that this aspect of the transportation system is a critical area, in part because of its relatively low importance.
  • One out of ten (10%) travelers gives the system an "A"; 27 percent give the system a "B" grade for bicycle safety and mobility. Nearly one out of three (32%) travelers gives the system a "D" or "F / Failing" grade for bicycle safety and mobility.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Nearly one out of three (31%) travelers gives the system a failing grade (D or lower) for bicycle safety and mobility.

The West receives the highest grade for bicycle safety and mobility. Bicycle safety and mobility is a significant problem in the South.

Satisfaction with Efforts to Improve Bicycle Safety and Mobility and Impact on Overall Grade

• Travelers are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with bicycle safety and mobility - giving it an overall satisfaction rating of 3.05 on a five-point scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and three is the mid-point. While the majority of travelers are satisfied, more are just somewhat satisfied than are very satisfied. In addition for two aspects - availability of separate bike lanes on roadways and safety when riding a bicycle in work zones - the majority are dissatisfied.
  • Surprisingly, there are few differences in satisfaction between those that ride bicycles and those that do not. In fact, bicyclists are more satisfied than non-cyclists with some of the efforts to improve bicycle safety and mobility. Of all factors, bicycle riders and non-riders are significantly less satisfied with and clearly differentiated from the other segment by:
    • Enforcement of bicycle laws and regulations. Riders are more satisfied than are non-riders, suggesting that those who encounter cyclists would like to see them obeying the same laws as drivers.
    • Availability of separate bike lanes on roadways. Riders are less satisfied than are non-riders, suggesting that set-aside lanes on existing roadways could diminish driver / cyclist conflicts.
• Six of the nine programs measured have a significant impact on the overall grade. They are listed in order of likely impact - that is investments in this area will have the most influence on travelers' overall grade for bicycle safety and mobility. Those in bold represent areas that have a significant impact on the overall grade and where satisfaction ratings are below average.
  • Connections between bike lanes / pathways and public transportation,
  • Safety while riding in work zones,
  • Availability of bike lanes separated from the roads,
  • Amount of surface defects in bike lanes,
  • Availability of bike pathways completely separated from the roadways, and
  • Width of bike lanes.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for delays from road work serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to pavement conditions serving as the independent variables.

Better connections between bike lanes / bike paths with public transportation would have the greatest impact on the overall grade travelers give to bicycle safety and mobility.

Operations and Infrastructure

Respondents were asked a series of questions to measure their satisfaction with specific efforts by the Operations and Infrastructure Office to improve traveler satisfaction. Responses were recorded on a 5-point satisfaction scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied."

In addition to rating specific aspects of operations and infrastructure, respondents also gave the system an overall grade for operations and infrastructure. Respondents gave a letter grade between "A" meaning "Excellent," and "F" meaning "Failing." Respondents could also apply plus or minus ratings. Grades were then converted to a continuous four-point scale ranging from "0.0" for "Failing" and "4.0" for "Excellent."

Regression analysis was then used to determine the extent to which satisfaction with these specific programs are related to the overall grade travelers give for programs and efforts to improve a specific aspect of the system.

The 2000 Infrastructure Survey completed by FHWA provides the opportunity to see changes in satisfaction over time.

Pavement Conditions

Overall Grade

• Travelers give pavement conditions an overall grade of 2.30 (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A or Excellent grade). This is equivalent to a C plus (C+).
  • Nearly half (48%) of all travelers give a B minus (B-) grade or higher for pavement conditions. However, 7 percent gave the system a failing (F) grade for pavement conditions and 14 percent gave the system a D grade. Nearly one out of three (32%) gave the system a C grade.
  • Based on the importance placed on this aspect of the system and the overall grade given, pavement conditions are identified as one of the system's critical weaknesses (high importance / lower overall grade).
  • The Northeast receives the lowest overall grade for pavement conditions.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

While identified as a critical weakness overall, pavement conditions are a significant problem in the Northeast.

Satisfaction with Pavement Conditions and Impact on Overall Grade

• In general, travelers are neutral to somewhat satisfied with the different aspects of roadway pavement conditions - an overall mean of 3.38 on a five-point scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" represents the mid-point. In all cases, more travelers are just "somewhat satisfied" with the different aspects of pavement conditions than are "very satisfied."
• Travelers are most satisfied with:
  • Quietness of the ride,
  • Surface appearance, and
  • Smoothness of the ride.
• While still satisfied - all variables achieve a mean rating above the mid-point of the scale - travelers are less satisfied with:
  • Durability of the pavement, and
  • Surface treatments used to increase traction in rainy or icy conditions.
• They are least satisfied with the amount of surface defects - defined as patches, rutting, and ripples in the pavement.
  • Nearly half (49%) of all travelers express some dissatisfaction with the amount of surface defects. Twenty-four percent (24%) are very dissatisfied.
• Satisfaction with pavement conditions is a significant issue in the Northeast and Midwest - where weather conditions are more extreme.
• Improvements to all aspects of pavement conditions would have a significant impact on the overall grade. Those highlighted in bold should be considered key areas of focus - i.e., the highest impact on the overall grade and lower-than-average satisfaction ratings.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for pavement conditions serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to pavement conditions serving as the independent variables.

Improvements to any / all aspects of pavement conditions would have a significant impact on the overall grade travelers give for pavement conditions.

Reducing the number of surface defects would have the greatest overall impact.

Changes in Satisfaction with Pavement Conditions

• Traveler satisfaction with pavement conditions has increased significantly over the years. Notably traveler satisfaction has increased for:
  • Durability - a 50 percent increase in traveler satisfaction from 1995, and
  • Quietness of the ride - a 46 percent increase in traveler satisfaction from 1995.
• At the same time, the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with pavement conditions has increased significantly. This dichotomy is the result of a decrease in neutral responses over the years, suggesting a strengthening of opinions over the years and emphasizing the importance of this critical aspect of the transportation system. In particular, traveler dissatisfaction has crystallized for:
  • Durability of paving materials. While there has been a 50 percent increase in the percentage of travelers satisfied from 1995, there has also been a 50 percent increase in the percentage of travelers dissatisfied. While the percentage of travelers satisfied with durability has increased each period, the percentage of travelers dissatisfied increased significantly between 1995 and 2000 and has remained nearly constant between 2000 and 2005.
  • Smoothness of the ride. The percentage of travelers satisfied with smoothness of the ride increased 39 percent from 1995. At the same time, the percentage of travelers dissatisfied increased 45 percent. While the percentage of travelers dissatisfied decreased with the smoothness of the ride between 2000 and 2005, the percentage dissatisfied remains significantly above 1995 levels.

Traveler satisfaction with pavement conditions has increase significantly over the years. At the same time, the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with various aspects of pavement conditions has increased.

Bridge Conditions

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation's bridge conditions an overall grade of 2.73 (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A or Excellent grade) or an overall grade of B minus (B-).
  • Bridge conditions receive the highest overall grade of any specific aspect of the nation's transportation system - 20 percent gave the system an A or excellent grade and 46 percent gave the system a B grade.
  • The Northeast receives the lowest overall grade for bridge conditions while the West receives the highest.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Bridge conditions may be a greater problem in the Northeast than elsewhere in the nation.

Satisfaction with Bridge Conditions and Impact on Overall Grade

• In general, travelers are neutral to somewhat satisfied with the different aspects of bridge pavement conditions - an overall mean of 3.78 on a five-point scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" represents the mid-point. It is important to note that in evaluating bridge conditions, travelers base their rating on visible conditions. Travelers are unaware of many aspects of bridge conditions that are not readily visible to the driving public.
• Travelers are most satisfied with:
  • General appearance of bridges,
  • Durability of bridges,
  • Appearance of safety and safety of construction, and
• Smoothness of the ride.
• Travelers are least satisfied with:
  • Width of lanes and shoulders, and
  • Availability of bike lanes and pedestrian walkways on bridges. Nearly half (47%) of all travelers express some level of dissatisfaction with this attribute. Twenty four percent (24%) are very dissatisfied with the availability of bike lanes and pedestrian walkways on bridges.
• Satisfaction with bridge conditions is a greater issue in the Northeast and South than in the Midwest and West.
• Improvements to all aspects of bridge conditions would have a significant impact on the overall grade. Those highlighted in bold should be considered key areas of focus (i.e., the highest impact on the overall grade and lower-than-average satisfaction ratings).

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for bridge conditions serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to bridge conditions serving as the independent variables.

While improvements to any / all aspects of bridge conditions tested would have a significant impact on the overall grade given to bridge conditions, improvements to the smoothness of the ride and safety would have the greatest overall impact.

Changes in Satisfaction with Bridge Conditions

• There has been a significant increase in satisfaction with bridge conditions for all characteristics.
  • Visual durability experienced the most significant increase.
• While there has been a significant (47%) increase in the percentage of travelers satisfied with the smoothness of the ride on bridges, there has been a 29 percent increase in the percentage of dissatisfied travelers.

Travelers' satisfaction with bridge conditions is high and has increased significantly over the past 10 years.

Visual Appeal / Appearance

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.71 (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A or Excellent grade) or an overall grade of B minus (B-) for visual appeal and appearance.
  • Visual appeal and appearance of the nation's highways and roadways receives the second highest grade, after bridge conditions, of all system attributes. Nearly one out of five (18%) travelers give the system an A or Excellent grade for this attribute; 47 percent give the system a B grade.
  • Visual appeal and appearance are identified in the overall quadrant analysis as being a secondary strength of the system - that is, performance is above average but, from the travelers' perspective is a less important aspect of the system.
• Grades for visual appeal are relatively consistent nationwide.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Visual appeal and appearance of the nation's highways receives the second highest overall grade.

Satisfaction with Visual Appeal and Impact on Overall Grade

• In general, travelers are satisfied with the different aspects of visual appeal and appearance - an overall mean of 3.90 on a scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" represents the mid-point.
• Travelers are most satisfied with:
  • Design of the rest areas,
  • Landscaping,
  • Appearance of sound barriers or retainer walls, and
• Compatibility of roads and highways with the natural environment.
• They are least satisfied with:
  • Amount of litter and trash along roadways / highways, and
  • Extent to which regulations and laws control the amount and locations of outdoor ads and billboards.
• Travelers in the Midwest and West are the most satisfied with the visual appeal of the roadways and highways.
• Improvements to all but two aspects of visual appeal and appearance - the extent to which regulations and laws control the amount / location of outdoor ads and sound barriers - would have a significant impact on the overall grade. The amount of litter or trash along roadways is the most significant weakness in terms of visual appeal.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for visual appeal / appearance serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to visual appeal / appearance serving as the independent variables.

Reducing the amount of litter or trash along roadways / highways and maximizing the compatibility with the natural environment would have the greatest impact on travelers' overall grade for visual appeal and appearance.

Changes in Satisfaction with Visual Appeal

• There have been some significant increases in satisfaction with the visual appeal of the nation's roadways and highways over the past 10 years.
  • The percentage of travelers satisfied has increased the most for the appearance of sound barriers (50% increase) and landscaping (43% increase).
• There has also been a significant increase (23%) in traveler satisfaction with the amount of litter or trash along the highways since 2000 when this question was first asked. At the same time there has been a significant decrease (13%) in dissatisfaction with this aspect of visual appeal. This is notable in that many states have had to cut budgets in this area.
• While there has been an increase in traveler satisfaction with the system's compatibility with the environment over the years, most of this increase occurred between 1995 and 2000. At the same time, the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with this aspect of the system has increased steadily over the years; note, however, that the percentage dissatisfied remains relatively small (15%).

Travelers' satisfaction with visual appeal of the highways has increased significantly - notably for the appearance of sound barriers.

Maintenance Response Times

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.48 (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A or Excellent grade) or C plus (C+) for maintenance response times.
  • Twelve percent (12%) of travelers gave the system an A or Excellent grade; an additional 41 percent gave the system a B grade for maintenance response times.
  • Maintenance response times are identified as a secondary strength of the system - that is, travelers give this aspect of the system an above average overall grade but rate it as a less important aspect of the system.
• Twice as many travelers in the Northeast, South, and West as in the Midwest give a failing (D or F) grade to the system for maintenance response times, suggesting that at least in some areas this aspect of the system may be a weakness rather than a strength.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Travelers in the Midwest are the most satisfied with maintenance response times.

Satisfaction with Maintenance Response Times and Impact on Overall Grade

• Travelers are generally satisfied with maintenance response times - giving an overall satisfaction rating of 3.78 on a five-point scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" is the mid-point. All measured aspects of maintenance response times receive a rating above the mid-point on this scale.
• Travelers are most satisfied with:
  • Guardrail and barrier repairs,
  • Rest area cleaning, and
  • The speed with which crashes and blockages from debris is cleared.
• Travelers are least satisfied with:
  • Timeliness of pavement repairs, and
  • Litter or trash removal. Note this attribute also received the lowest rating for visual appeal and appearance.
• Travelers in the Northeast and South are significantly less satisfied with maintenance response times than those in the Midwest and West.
• Improvements to all aspects of maintenance response times would have a significant impact on the overall grade. Those highlighted in bold should be considered key areas of focus (i.e., the highest impact on the overall grade and lower-than-average satisfaction ratings).

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for visual appeal / appearance serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to visual appeal / appearance serving as the independent variables.

Improvements to all areas would have a significant positive impact on the overall grade given to maintenance response times.

Critical weaknesses are the timeliness of making pavement repairs, repainting pavement markings and removal of litter or trash.

Changes in Satisfaction with Maintenance Response Times

• There have been some significant increases in satisfaction with the maintenance response times.
  • The most significant (63%) increase is satisfaction with pavement repairs. At the same time, following an in dissatisfaction levels with this aspect of maintenance response times between 1995 and 2000, dissatisfaction levels have decreased. However, dissatisfaction levels remain above 1995 levels.
  • Satisfaction with guardrail repairs, rest area cleaning, and snow removal has also increased significantly (49%, 43%, and 30% increases in satisfaction, respectively). Dissatisfaction levels with snow removal and guardrail repairs also increased significantly (40% and 27%, respectively) between 1995 and 2000 but have remained virtually unchanged since 2000.
  • Between 1995 and 2000, the percentage of travelers satisfied with litter and trash removal remained virtually the same. However, during that period the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with this aspect of maintenance response nearly doubled. Between 2000 and 2005, the percentage of travelers satisfied with litter and trash removal has increased 20 percent while the percentage dissatisfied has remained nearly constant.

There has been a significant increase in satisfaction with how quickly pavement repairs are attended to.

Setup of Work Zones

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.52 (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A or Excellent grade) for the setup of work zones to maximize safety and improve traffic flow. This equate to an overall B minus (B-) grade for the setup of work zones.
• Nearly one out of five (19%) travelers gives the system an A or Excellent grade for the setup of work zones; 44 percent give the system a B grade.
• The overall quadrant analysis suggests that the setup of work zones is a strength of the system and that service delivery is generally aligned with traveler expectations / requirements.
• As with other aspects of the system's infrastructure, lower grades are given in the Northeast and South than in the Midwest and West.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

The setup of work zones is a strength of the system.

The system is given lower grades for the setup of work zones in the Northeast and South.

Satisfaction with Setup of Work Zones and Impact on Overall Grade

• In general, travelers are satisfied with the setup of work zones to maximize safety and traffic flow - an overall mean of 3.71 on a scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" represents the mid-point.
• Eleven individual items were measured as part of the setup of work zones. All receive a satisfaction rating above the mid-point on the five-point scale. Travelers are most satisfied with:
  • Use of orange signs indicating ongoing construction,
  • Number of flaggers with information signs to manage traffic flow,
  • General safety features (such as visibility, lane width, and speed),
  • Overall safety while traveling in work zones, and
  • Detour signs and directions.
• They are less satisfied with:
  • Manner in which lanes merge together at lane closures,
  • Road signs at the beginning of work zones showing the expected length of the delay, and
  • Availability of phone numbers to get traffic and road work updates.
• Improvements to seven of the 11 areas would have a significant impact on the overall grade for setup of work zones.
  • While travelers are generally satisfied with the overall safety while driving in work zones, a continued focus on this aspect of work zone management would have the greatest impact on the overall grade.
  • Other areas of impact where satisfaction is below average (average being 3.71) include the setup of lanes so that drivers can merge safely, the manner in which lanes merge together at lane closures, and the use of detours to re-route traffic away from work zones.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for visual appeal / appearance serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to visual appeal / appearance serving as the independent variables.

By far, decreasing the amount of time to complete repairs would have the greatest impact on the overall grade travelers give for work zone management. This attribute also receives one of the lowest satisfaction scores.

Changes in Satisfaction with Setup of Work Zones

• There have been significant increases in satisfaction with the setup of work zones to improve safety and traffic flow
  • Traveler satisfaction with the setup of detour signs and directions has increased significantly - from 53 percent in 1995 to 77 percent in 2005, a 45 percent increase. At the same time, however, the percentage of travelers dissatisfied has also increased.

While traveler satisfaction with detour signs and directions has increased, the percentage of travelers dissatisfied has also increased.

Amenities

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.68 (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A or Excellent grade) or an overall grade of B minus (B-) for highway amenities.
• Nearly one out of five (19%) travelers gives the system an "A / Excellent" grade for amenities; 44 percent give the system a "B" grade.
• Like visual appeal, grades for amenities are relatively consistent nationwide. While there are some differences between regions, these differences are not as great as those noted in other aspects of the system.
• Highway amenities are identified as a secondary strength of the system; travelers give this aspect of the system an above average overall grade but rate is as a less important aspect of the system.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Highway amenities receive the third highest grade of all system attributes.

Grades are reasonably consistent nationwide, although they are slightly lower in the Northeast

Satisfaction with Highway Amenities and Impact on Overall Grade

• In general, travelers are satisfied with the amenities along the nation's highways and roadways - giving the system an overall mean of 3.96 on a scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" represents the mid-point.
• Five individual items were measured specific to amenities. All receive a satisfaction rating well above the mid-point on the five-point scale. Travelers are most satisfied with signs for mileage and destinations.
• While still satisfied, they are less satisfied with patrols for roadside assistance. One out of four (25%) travelers is dissatisfied with the availability of patrols for roadside assistance.
• Improvements to all aspects of highway amenities would have a significant impact on the overall grade travel amenities. Those highlighted in bold would have the most significant impact and receive a lower satisfaction rating. Note, however, that satisfaction scores remain high even for these attributes.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for visual appeal / appearance serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to visual appeal / appearance serving as the independent variables.

If investments are made in additional traveler amenities, the focus should on a greater variety of rest areas and service plazas.

Changes in Satisfaction with Amenities

• Traveler satisfaction with amenities increased significantly between 1995 and 2000,most notable for the variety of rest areas and service plazas (59%), the number of rest areas and service plazas (39%), and signs for motorist services ( 39%). Satisfaction levels have continued to increase but at a lesser rate.
  • While traveler satisfaction with amenities has increased over the years, there has also been some increase in the percentage of travelers dissatisfied. The highest levels of dissatisfaction are with the number and variety of rest areas and service plazas. Dissatisfaction with these aspects of service has increased over the years, notably for the number of rest areas and service plazas.
• A new question was added in 2000 to measure satisfaction with the availability of patrols for roadside assistance. This aspect of service receives the lowest satisfaction ratings. Moreover, while the percentage of travelers satisfied with this aspect of service increased significantly (39%), the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with this aspect of service also increased significantly (33%).

There have been significant increases in traveler satisfaction with roadside amenities.

Traveler Information

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.67 (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A or Excellent grade) or an overall grade of B minus (B-) for traveler information. Nearly one out of five (19%) travelers gives the system an A / Excellent grade for traveler information; 42 percent give the system a B grade.
• Traveler information is identified as a secondary strength of the system - that is, travelers give this aspect of the system an above-average overall grade but rate is as a less important aspect of the system.
• Travelers in the West and Midwest grade the system higher for traveler information than do those in the South and Northeast.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Travelers in the West and Midwest give the system a significantly higher grade for traveler information than do those in the Northeast and South.

Satisfaction with Traveler Information and Impact on Overall Grade

Based on input from the focus groups, a new series of questions were added in 2005 that specifically address satisfaction with traveler information. The specific aspects of service included as key components of traveler information were drawn from the focus groups and e-scan, where other agencies have addressed this issue.

• In general, travelers are satisfied with the availability of traveler information - giving the system an overall mean of 3.86 on a scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" represents the mid-point.
• Four individual items were measured specific to traveler information. All receive a satisfaction rating above the mid-point on the five-point scale. Travelers are most satisfied with:
  • Access to traffic reports on the radio, television, or web.
• While still satisfied, they are less satisfied with the availability of phone numbers for traffic or roadwork updates.
• Improvements to all aspects of traveler information would have a significant impact on the overall grade for traveler information.
  • Greater access to traffic reports and phone numbers for traffic and roadwork updates will have the greatest impact on the overall grade for traveler information. However, travelers are less satisfied with the availability of phone numbers for traffic and roadwork. Emphasis here may have more of an impact.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for visual appeal / appearance serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to visual appeal / appearance serving as the independent variables.

Phone numbers for traffic or roadwork updates - such as the 511 system - represent the greatest opportunity for improvement.

Traffic Flow and Congestion

Satisfaction with Overall Levels of Congestion

Respondents were asked their satisfaction with levels of congestion. Responses were recorded on a five-point satisfaction scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied."

• Travelers' dissatisfaction with the overall level of congestion increased significantly between 1995 and 2000. In 2000, more travelers were dissatisfied with the overall levels of congestion than were satisfied. Between 2000 and 2005, the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with the overall levels of congestion decreased and returned to near 1995 levels. At the same time, traveler satisfaction has increased significantly - with three out of five travelers now saying they are satisfied. While perhaps a surprise, given the increase in congestion over the years, this finding is consistent with other research. Notably, a recent poll showed that 53 percent of all respondents said that traffic overall is "pretty good."¹⁶
  • It is possible that travelers have become resigned to congestion. Moreover, they may recognize that some of their lifestyle choices - living far from employment centers and driving alone - are contributors to congestion and hence is something they must simply live with. Finally, these increased levels of satisfaction may reflect recognition that despite the increased congestion, there has been many programs instituted to help mitigate the problem and these measures acknowledge the success of these programs.
• The increase in satisfaction with the overall levels of congestion may reflect the continued improvements in specific areas. Notably, expedited clearing of accidents and accident debris is reflected in the increased satisfaction levels with congestion resulting from accidents. Similarly, better management of work zones may be having a positive effect on congestion and is reflected in the ongoing improvements in customer satisfaction in this area.

While congestion has increased, traveler satisfaction with the levels of congestion has increased.

• Satisfaction / dissatisfaction levels with congestion vary significantly by region.
  • Overall satisfaction with congestion is lowest in the West. Perhaps a surprise is that there is no significant difference in satisfaction between those living in the Pacific versus Mountain West states.
  • Overall satisfaction with congestion is also relatively low in the Northeast. There are no significant differences in overall satisfaction with congestion between those living in the New England versus Mid-Atlantic states.
  • In the South overall satisfaction with congestion is lowest in the South Atlantic states. In the West South Central states, satisfaction is more varied and most likely reflects residence in urban versus rural areas of this large and diverse region.
  • Overall satisfaction with congestion is highest in the Midwest states. This is notable in West North Central states where nearly two out of five (38%) travelers say they are very satisfied with the levels of congestion. Note the West North Central region includes low-population states such as North and South Dakota as well as more urban states such as Minnesota and Missouri.

Mean based on 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied."

Satisfaction with congestion levels varies significantly by region, with those living in the West and, to a lesser extent, Northeast the most dissatisfied.

• And not surprisingly, satisfaction with overall levels of congestion is lower among travelers living in urban and suburban areas than those living in rural communities.
  • While overall satisfaction levels (as measured by the mean) are virtually identical for travelers living urban and suburban areas, satisfaction levels among suburban residents is more variable with a greater number expressing either extreme satisfaction (19%) or extreme dissatisfaction (23%).
• Satisfaction with congestion levels in urban areas is lowest in the Northeast and West.
  • Notably, urban residents in the Mid-Atlantic states express the highest levels of dissatisfaction with congestion - 44 percent very dissatisfied and 13 percent dissatisfied. In the West, dissatisfaction levels are somewhat lower among those living in the Pacific West compared to the Mountain West - 56 percent dissatisfied compared with 47 percent dissatisfied, respectively.
• Satisfaction with congestion levels in suburban areas is lowest in the West - 55 percent dissatisfied.
  • Suburban residents in the Mountain West are the most dissatisfied. More than three out of five (62%) of Mountain West suburbanites are dissatisfied compared with 53 percent of those in the Pacific states.

Mean based on 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied."

Satisfaction with congestion levels also varies based on the density of the community in which one lives with those living in urban and suburban communities more likely to be dissatisfied than those living in rural areas.

Satisfaction also varies significantly by region with those living in urban regions in the Northeast and West as well as those living in suburban regions in the West the most dissatisfied with congestion levels.

Efforts to Reduce Congestion and Improve Traffic Flow

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.40 (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A / Excellent grade) or a C plus (C+) for efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. Half (50%) of all travelers gave the system a grade of B minus (B-) or higher.
• The overall quadrant analysis suggests that efforts / programs to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow are a critical system weakness. Therefore, while travelers are generally resigned to current congestion levels, they would like to see continued efforts to mitigate congestion and further improve traffic flow.
• Consistent with measure of satisfaction regarding congestion, traveler satisfaction with efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow is a problem nearly everywhere, except the Midwest.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Midwest residents give the system the highest overall grade for efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

Satisfaction with Efforts to Improve Traffic Flow and Impact on Overall Grade

• In general, travelers are satisfied with the programs used to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow - an overall mean of 3.72 on a five-point scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" represents the mid-point. There, is however, significant room for improvement. In all cases, more travelers are just somewhat satisfied with these programs than are very satisfied.
• Travelers are most satisfied with the:
  • Ability to judge or predict travel times,
  • Availability of traffic information on the TV and radio, and
  • Use of signals on freeway entrance ramps to control traffic flow.
• While still satisfied - all variables achieve a mean rating above the mid-point of the scale - travelers are less satisfied with the:
  • Availability of carpool lanes, and
  • Use of traffic signal timing to improve traffic flow.
• They are least satisfied with the availability of public transportation services.
  • More than one out of three (34%) travelers expresses some dissatisfaction with the availability of public transportation services. Fifteen percent (15%) are very dissatisfied.
• Improvements to four areas would have a significant impact on the overall grade travelers give for programs to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
  • By far, better timing of traffic signals to improve traffic flow would have the greatest impact. Travelers' satisfaction with this aspect of the system is below average.
  • Other areas include: availability of alternate routes, ability to predict or judge travel times, and availability of public transportation.
• It is interesting to note that despite the lower satisfaction rating given for the availability of public transportation services, increasing this availability is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall grade travelers would give the system for efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for programs to reduce congestion and improve traffic serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to programs to reduce congestion and improve traffic serving as the independent variables.

Improvements to four areas would have a significant impact on the overall grade travelers give for programs to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow

By far better timing of traffic signals to improve traffic flow would have the greatest impact.

Changes in Satisfaction with Efforts to Reduce Congestion and Improve Traffic Flow

• Measures of customer satisfaction with efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow were first added in 2000; additional measures were added in 2005. Satisfaction with efforts to mitigate congestion and/or improve traffic flow has increased slightly over the years, although not at a rate noted for other aspects of the system. The greatest increase in satisfaction over the years has been for the availability of traffic information.
• The most notable change is the significant increase in the percentage of travelers dissatisfied with the availability of carpool lanes between 2000 and 2005

Satisfaction with efforts to mitigate congestion and/or improve traffic flow has increased slightly over the years, although not at the rate noted for other aspects of the system.

Delays from Road Work

Additional questions were added in 2005 to address traveler satisfaction with specific efforts that have been made to reduce delays from road work. In addition, general questions regarding levels of congestion in construction zones were drawn from previous surveys. From the focus groups, this was clearly seen as distinct from how work zones are set up to maximize safety and traffic flow.

Overall Grade

• Travelers give the nation's transportation system an overall grade of 2.43 (on a 4-point grade scale where 4.0 is an A or Excellent grade) or an overall grade of C plus (C+) for efforts to reduce delays from road work. Just over half (51%) of all travelers gave the system a grade of B minus (B-) or higher.
  • The system receives a significantly lower grade for its efforts to reduce delays from road work compared to the grade given for the setup of work zones to maximize safety and improve traffic flow - a mean grade of 2.52 or a B minus (B-) compared with 2.43 or a C plus (C+), respectively. Travelers see that the system does a reasonable job of setting up work zones; however, there are opportunities to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion resulting from the work itself.
• The overall quadrant analysis suggests that delays from road work are a potential system weakness - that is, it receives a below average grade but travelers consider it less important than other critical aspects of the system.
• Delays from road work are a greater issue in the Northeast and South compared with the Midwest and West.

*Grades based on four-point grade scale where "A" = 4.0-3.85; "A-" = 3.84-3.45"; "B+" = 3.44-3.15; "B" = 3.14-2.85; "B-" =2.84-2.5; "C+" = 2.49-2.15; "C" = 2.14-1.85; "C-" = 1.84-1.5; "D+"= 1.49-1.15; "D" = 1.14-0.85; "D-" = 0.84-0.5;and "F"= 0.4-0.0."

Delays from road work are a greater issue in the Northeast and South.

Satisfaction with Efforts to Reduce Delays from Road Work and Impact on Overall Grade

• This service attribute includes eight items. In general, travelers are neutral to slightly satisfied with the efforts made to reduce delays from road work - an overall mean of 3.50 on a five-point scale where "5" means "very satisfied" and "3" represents the mid-point. In all cases, more travelers are just somewhat satisfied with these programs than very satisfied.
• By far, travelers are most satisfied with the availability of tow trucks to clear accidents quickly. They are also satisfied with:
  • The extent to which repairs are made during non-rush hour periods,
  • The amount of time it takes to clear accidents, and
  • The number of police dedicated to roadside assistance.
• Travelers are least satisfied with the amount of congestion in work zones as well as the length of time they are delayed. In addition, travelers express concerns about the amount of time required to complete repairs.
  • More than two out of five (41%) travelers express some dissatisfaction with the amount of time required to complete repairs. Nearly one out of five (18%) are very dissatisfied.
• Improvements to all efforts to reduce delays from road work would have a significant impact on the overall grade travelers give for efforts to reduce delays from road work.
  • By far, reducing the amount of time required to complete repairs would have the greatest impact.

* Mean based on a 5-point scale where "1" means "very dissatisfied" and "5" means "very satisfied".

** Shown are standardized beta coefficients which indicate amount of effect on the overall grade. For example, if improvements are made to a specific characteristic that results in one scale unit increase in satisfaction with that attribute, the overall grade given will increase by this amount.

*** Significance is determined using regression analysis with overall grade for programs to reduce delays from road work serving as the dependent variable and the specific attributes related to programs to reduce delays from road work serving as the independent variables.

Decreasing the amount of time required to complete repairs would have the greatest impact on the overall grade travelers give for efforts to reduce delays from road work.

Changes in Satisfaction with Efforts to Reduce Delays from Road Work

• While it is clear that there is room for improvement in this area, traveler satisfaction with efforts to reduce delays from road work has changed significantly.
• The most notable change is the significant increase in the percentage of travelers who suggest they are satisfied with the amount of time they are delayed in work zones - traveler satisfaction with this aspect of service has doubled from 1995 and increased 61 percent from 2000.

While traveler satisfaction with detour signs and directions has increased, the percentage of travelers dissatisfied has also increased.