During the National Regional Transportation Conference (June 2019, Columbus, OH), Kurt Barclay and Jamie Lemon presented the North Central Pennsylvania Rural Planning Organization approach to updating functional classification of the region's roadways.

2. What is Roadway
Functional Classification?

3. • An important land use and
transportation planning tool
• A basis for integrating land
use and the roadway network
• An indicator of highway
design and access
management
• A determinant of certain
federal sources of funding
Functional classification is….

4. Background
• Legislative Changes: MAP-21 (July 2012)
• FHWA Guidance (2013)
• Urban/rural changes
• Concept of a “continuous” principal arterial network
• North Central LRTP 2035 action item
• Changes in land use and travel patterns since 1992
One of the goals of the North Central LRTP is to “Promote efficient transportation
system management and operation.” This goal is supported by several strategies,
one of which specifically states the region should act to “update the region’s
roadway functional classification network and NHS routes”.

5. Previous
North
Central
Functional
Classificatio
n

6. FC Update Methodology
• PennDOT Procedures for Revisions to Functional Classifications and
Federal-Aid Systems
• Recommended changes must be in accordance with 2013 FHWA
guidelines
• Adding roads to Federal-aid system
• Developed GIS workflow using FHWA guidelines as a baseline for
“flag analysis”

7. GIS Inputs
• Current AADT – Truck Traffic
• Volume Growth 2002 – 2017
• PA Statewide Model Traffic Forecasts (2040)
• Freight Generators
• Federal-aid Network
• PennDOT TSMO Signals and Bottlenecks
• Major Trip Generators
• Existing Functional Classification & Current AADT
• Joined & “flagged” according to FHWA
recommended rural system ranges

9. “Flag Analysis”
• Volume changes (highest changes – top
segments)
• Closed-loop system for principal arterials
• Corridors with potential to be upgraded:
• Minor arterials with traffic volumes >6,000
• Major collectors with traffic volumes >2,600
• Minor collectors with traffic volumes >1,100
Flag Analysis
Web Map

10. Other GIS Considerations
• Stakeholder engagement and local insights
• Local experts needed to verify that GIS outcomes are correct
• ESRI Story Map created to guide stakeholders through review
Stakeholder Review
Story Map

11. Final Results
• 45 functional classification changes identified
• 29 upgrades
• 16 downgrades
• 46.2 miles of new principal arterials
• 16.9 miles of roadway added to the National Highway System

12. Significant FC Changes

13. Final Results
Before After

14. What does this mean for the RPO?
• More accurate regional network classification, which
impacts:
• Design standards for roadway facilities
• Traffic calming
• Asset management
• Data recording, reporting, and documentation
• Prioritization of candidate transportation projects in upcoming
LRTPs
• Eligibility for federal funding
• Two new roadways can be improved using NHPP funding

15. Questions?