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F4505041114 mod 0007, This study assesses the potential for an alternative transportation system (ATS) at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (NHS). The Volpe Center investigated internal circulation and potential partnerships with local historic, cultural, and recreational facilities for external circulators or tours. The project supplements existing efforts by the Hopewell Big Woods Partnership and proposes roles for NPS and other partners in further alternative transportation initiatives. Volpe Center staff conducted telephone and in-person interviews, reviewed regional plans and reports, and performed two site visits to Hopewell Furnace NHS and the surrounding area. Findings were used to assess the potential for various types of transportation services at and to Hopewell Furnace NHS. Recommendations regarding wayfinding and improving awareness of the Hopewell Furnace NHS; accessibility improvements for visitors with mobility limitations; regular and special event external circulator routes; and shuttles to the adjacent French Creek State Park.

As a mitigation measure during reconstruction of the Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park operated a shuttle bus system along three routes during the 2007 season. This report presents a multi-dimensional evaluation of the transportation service during its first season of operation.

NP83, The Cape Cod National Seashore (CACO) has undertaken a program to improve parking management at its beach parking lots, and to provide information about parking availability to CACO visitors. This project will build upon work already accomplished, to develop a networked Parking Management System (PMS) and Traveler Information System (TIS) covering the seven CACO-managed beaches (and, potentially, town-managed beaches within CACO), along with multiple systems for disseminating parking information to the public., On September 26, 2012, the Volpe Center conducted a site survey of the beach parking lots throughout the Seashore. Included in this survey were all six of the NPS-operated parking lots, as well as eight town-operated parking lots located within the Seashore. The site survey assessed existing wireless communications coverage, networking, AC power, and other factors pertinent to deployment of parking management system components at each of the parking areas., On June 20, 2013, as a first step toward deployment of the full parking management system, the Volpe Center installed a pilot system at the Little Creek parking area, which serves Coast Guard Beach. The pilot system was in operation for the duration of the 2013 summer season (through September 30) with a few periods when the system was not operational., This report provides details on the pilot parking management system’s components, location, installation, testing and monitoring. It also provides the Volpe Center’s findings and conclusion

VX-82 / JT342, VX-H2 / KL639, During the summer of 2010 (August – September), the Volpe Center collected baseline acoustical data at Pecos National Historical Park (PECO) at four sites deployed for approximately 30 days each. The baseline data collected during this period will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating soundscape management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at PECO include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

VX-55/AS041, HW-1M/AS197, The U.S. Department of Transportation, John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), Environmental Measurement and Modeling Division, provided technical support to the National Parks, Foundation as a part of a National Park Service (NPS) project to evaluate vehicular emissions in the national parks. A Visitor Vehicular Traffic Impact Study (the Study) was performed in three California National, Parks between August 2002 and April 2003 – Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore - in order to collect traffic count, vehicle tracking, meteorological, Inspection and, Maintenance Program, and fuel program data. This data was processed through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) MOBILE6.2 modeling software to produce park-specific emission factors, and weekly, traffic count data was used with these emission factors to produce a weekly emissions inventory for each park. Alternative methods involving modal emissions models were also investigated. Mainly due to their ability, to take into account park-specific driving cycles, modal emissions models are likely to provide results that are more appropriate for the National Parks. For further emissions modeling, a simplified approach using a, modal emissions model is recommended. This comparison report contains a technical comparison of the three California national parks emissions inventory input data and instructions on how to produce emissions, inventories for other parks through a simplified approach.

The National Park Service (NPS) currently has 108 alternative transportation systems (ATS) at more than 90 park units, ranging from shuttle buses to ferries. The purpose of this study is to examine the economic impacts, both positive and negative, that existing NPS ATS have had on gateway communities. The findings from this study will be used to inform the early planning discussions with gateway communities regarding the potential implementation of ATS in National Parks, and the potential economic impacts that these ATS may have upon gateway communities.

PMIS No. 62552/part 3, This report describes the Parking Management System (PMS) concept for the Sandy Hook Traveler Information System (TIS). The PMS is an important component of the TIS because it ultimately will be used to determine the open / closed status of the park. Inside the park, the PMS will supplement the park’s current parking management strategy, which uses rangers to monitor parking areas and direct traffic. Using automated data collected and disseminated by the PMS, park rangers will be able to make early decisions on park closures while maintaining visitor safety and mitigating resource damage within the park.

VM02/NLK63, This report described a proposed passenger shuttle for the Confluence Area of the National Park Service's Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The report includes a proposed route, description of the stops, proposed schedules, and cost estimates for operating the shuttle service

VX-H2 / KL638, During the summer of 2010 (September – October 2010), the Volpe Center collected baseline acoustical data at Big Bend National Park (BIBE) at four sites deployed for approximately 30 days each. The baseline data collected during this period will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating soundscape management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at BIBE include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

NPS TIC No. D-150, This alternative transportation plan aims to define a more efficient transit plan for visitors to Morristown. Goals include protecting environmental resources, improving visitor experiences and safety, maximizing use of infrastructure, ensuring compatibility of goals between the park and the surrounding community, and determining cost-effective means to maximize ridership. The report identifies three transportation alternatives for Morristown and analyzes their respective benefits in terms of ridership, safety, visitor enjoyment, and efficiency, as well as costs of each plan.

VX-82/JT022, VX-H2/KL640, During the summer of 2010 (July - August), the Volpe Center collected baseline acoustical data at Wupatki National Monument (WUPA) at two sites deployed for approximately 30 days at each site. The baseline data collected during this period will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating soundscape management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at WUPA include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

F4505087777, PMIS No. 99923, This report assesses transportation needs in and around Salem Maritime National Historical Site.

In the summer of 2002 an interagency, multi-disciplinary team was formed to develop a plan for defining and collecting performance data needed for better managing the National Park Service’s (NPS) Alternative Transportation Program (ATP). Members of the ATP Data Needs Task Force included transportation planners, highway engineers and landscape architects from the NPS ATP and Denver Service Center offices, individual parks, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the U.S. DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center)., The group was formed as an outgrowth of a traffic data workshop held earlier by FHWA-Eastern Federal Lands – Highway Department (EFLHD) and in response to a General Accountability Office (GAO) report reviewing the ATP. The GAO report called for the use of more detailed data to justify project need and cost effectiveness in the planning phase of ATP projects and for the evaluation of implemented projects in meeting ATP goals and program performance measures.

VX-K6/MLE72, During the winter of 2012(November-December) baseline acoustical data were collected at Kings Mountain National Military Park (KIMO)at two sites deployed for approximately 30 days each. The baseline data collected during these periods will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating acoustic resource management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at KIMO include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

VU13/MYI63, The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core Federal-aid program for State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This is a major source of funding for safety projects on the nation's public roads, including non-State owned public roads. HSIP and the associated Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) development processes are prime opportunities for the National Park Service to highlight and build awareness of safety issues within or leading to NPS units, and to engage State DOTs in collaborative and mutually beneficial efforts to address them.

During the summer of 2010 (September – October 2010), the Volpe Center collected baseline acoustical data at Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River (RIGR) at three sites deployed for approximately 30 days each. The baseline data collected during this period will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating soundscape management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at Big Bend (BIBE) include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

The National Park Service (NPS) Alternative Transportation Program (ATP) requested assessment on existing survey research on visitor response to alternative transportation systems (ATS) at the national parks. This report attempts to provide recommendations for how NPS can improve its data collection efforts, which involved gathering and reviewing survey data from NPS sources as well as non-NPS sources. The report recommends changes to enhance NPS ATP data collection, such as reformatting the visitor survey card; developing a standardized, core set of questions on demographics, visit characteristics, sources of travel information and mobility; and developing a standardized approach to visitor studies that are used to a) develop and test ATS prototypes, and b) evaluate existing ATS at the parks.

P12PG20506, VU62/MJ658, This is the first in a series of briefs exploring best practices in the various ways to provide transit service in national parks. While Denali operates in a unique environment, the Visitor Transportation Service experience offers many lessons related to managing natural resources, using performance measures, working effectively with concessioners, and operating shuttle systems., Lessons learned include, Strong park leadership and visionary thinking is essential to the success of a shuttle system., Flexibility to use franchise fees to fund comprehensive data gathering yields beneficial analysis., Limited access for private vehicles to the majority of the park raises the profile of the shuttle system., Flexibility of operating agreement leads to sustained improvement in service., Outcome-based approach fosters creativity in operational service planning.

VX-82 / JT022VX-H2 / KL640, During the summer of 2010 (July - August), the Volpe Center collected baseline acoustical data at Walnut Canyon National Monument (WACA) at a site deployed for approximately 30 days. The baseline data collected during this period will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating soundscape management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at WACA include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

HW9GA1/MTC89, The Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) Corridor has been undergoing major shifts in use due to ongoing construction, implementation of a shuttle system, and changes in visitor use patterns. Glacier National Park (GLAC) is developing the GTSR Transportation and Visitor Use Corridor Management Plan to deal with these changes and their impacts on the park’s resources., This report compiles available data and reviews the existing conditions of the road to document and quantify identified issues and provide a baseline for thinking about alternative management strategies as part of the corridor management plan. Initial recommendations and gaps identified in the data are documented in Appendices A and B respectively.

VX-55/AS041, HW-1M/AS197, The U.S. Department of Transportation, John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), Environmental Measurement and Modeling Division (Volpe Center), provided technical support to the, National Parks Foundation as part of a National Park Service (NPS) project to evaluate vehicular emissions in the National Parks. In August 2002, a Visitor Vehicle Emissions Study was performed at Yosemite, National Park in order to collect traffic count and vehicle tracking data. This data was processed through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) MOBILE6 modeling software to produce park-specific emission, factors. Alternative methods involving modal emissions models were also investigated. Mainly due to their ability to take into account park-specific driving cycles, modal emissions models are likely to provide results, that are more appropriate for the National Parks. The report discusses the emissions inventory development methodologies and the corresponding results. For further emissions modeling, a simplified approach using a, modal emissions model is recommended.

This project involves the development of short-range and long-range plans for alternative transportation to, from, and within the Cape Cod National Seashore. The five-year plan notes that improved public transportation services are needed both to mitigate seasonal traffic congestion and to meet the mobility needs of the year-round transit-dependent population. The recommendations to the Cape Cod National Seashore from this short-run plan are to provide transportation choices to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding year-round population, facilitate connections between various travel modes, supply alternative services between Cape Cod and other regions, including the Islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, ensure that any infrastructure investments are in keeping with the character of Cape Cod and the Islands, and are supported by a majority of the public and meet Health and Human Services mobility needs for access to employment, health care, social services, family support tasks, and education.

F2410050053, Mod.2, 11/13/06, This report presents a summary of an analysis comparing the ferry operated between San Francisco and Alcatraz Island with, similar water transportation services. The analysis was performed to assist the National Park Service in determining the rates, and charges to the public that are “reasonable and appropriate,” as required under law. The analysis concludes that the adult, fare for the Alcatraz Island ferry service should be higher than the current fare. The recommended rate is lower, however, than that of the closest comparable, to account for several factors, including route distance, that reduce relative operating and, maintenance costs for the Alcatraz Island ferry.

This project assesses transportation management issues at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in the Locust Point area of Baltimore. Goals of the study include mitigating traffic congestion and idling of school or tour buses, encouraging transit modes separate from bus and automobile travel (waterborne and ferry travel, for example), and linking alternative transport to the potentially revitalized/expanded visitor center.

VX-K6/MLE72, During the summer of 2008(May) and winter of 2011 (September-November) baseline acoustical data were collected at Cape Hatteras National Seashore at three sites deployed for approximately 30 days each. The baseline data collected during these periods will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating soundscape management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at Cape Hatteras include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

This project identifies and evaluates transit service alternatives in the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania area, including Gettysburg National Military Park, the Borough of Gettysburg, and surrounding townships. The report concludes that public transit would allay the problems of resource damage due to traffic congestion and off-road parking, which would lead to enhanced visitor experience. Based on discussions with park service personnel and analysis of park visitation data, Volpe recommends a time frame to utilize a transit network during the peak-demand season. Finally, recommendations are made as to which vehicles should be purchased, how the added operations and maintenance costs should be funded, and the best method of service delivery.

As part of an effort to evaluate the shuttle serice at Colonial National Historical Park, the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center administered a survey to a sample of shuttle users in July 2009. The key purpose of the survey was to learn how visitors are using the shuttle service and to measure their level of satistaction with the service. The survey finds that the large majority of shuttle users arrived in the area by personal vehicle (87%) and started their shuttle ride at Colonial Williamsburg on the Historic Triangle Shuttle. Visiting groups intercepted over the survey period expressed a very high level of overall satisfaction with the shuttle service: 99% of groups riding the shuttle reported that they were either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their overall experience on the shuttle. Visitors similarly reported being pleased with specific features of the shuttle service, including timeliness, frequency of service and number of site covered, and ease of understanding shuttle route information and locating stops. For each of these features of the service, three-quarters or more of respondents reported being "very satisfied." Overall, the survey findings indicate that users strongly support the shuttle service. The survey data clearly demonstrate that visitors value the service and feel that it enhances their experience at the park.

This report presents the current status of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) within the 398 national parks managed by the National Park Service (NPS), discusses the potential of ITS to address the often unique transportation challenges faced by NPS, outline prospective research initiatives to further develop the understanding of the potential for beneficial application of ITS in national parks, and suggest programmatic strategies for further NPS consideration. A baseline inventory of ITS applications is included.

This brochure illustrates how alternative transportation systems can keep our national parks cleaner and quieter.

P14PG00431, 51VQ160000, PB579/QB579, The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site (NHS), a National Park Service (NPS) site, in Plains, Georgia currently comprises four distinct sites associated with former President Jimmy Carter: the Boyhood Farm, where he was raised; the Plains Depot, which was the headquarters of his 1976 Presidential Campaign; the former Plains High School, where he attended grades 1 through 11; and the Carter Compound, the house where the former President currently resides. This last site is closed to the public as the Carters are in residence; the other three sites are open to the public. The four sites are located within 2.5 miles of each other, on separate parcels of land. The disconnected nature of the three publicly accessible sites makes facilitating visitor movement among them challenging. The sites are integrated with commercial and residential areas in Plains and sit on either side of US 280, a US highway running through Georgia and Alabama. Navigation and safety for visitors are therefore major concerns for the Park. This report summarizes the key issues related to navigation and safety and identifies next the Park and key stakeholders can take to alleviate these issues.

4505041114, PMIS No. 89847, In 2005 and 2006, Adams National Historical Park piloted expanded shuttle service, with the aim of promoting car-free access for its visitors. This report evaluates the 2006 season of operation. Adams National Historical Park (NHP) is located approximately ten miles south of Boston in Quincy, MA (see Figure 1), and comprises eleven historic structures and a cultural landscape totaling almost 14 acres. The story told by Adams NHP is that of five generations of the Adams family—from 1720 to 1927—including two U.S. presidents. This report evaluates the 2006 season of operation of a pilot expanded trolley service that operated at Adams National Historical Park from 2005 to 2006.

VX82/JT311, VX82/JT312, The Blue Ridge Parkway National Park provided an environment where sound level, measurements could be made for numerous motorcycle pass-by events. Data were examined, for five motorcycle categories: cruiser, sport, dual purpose, touring, and, moped/scooter, in terms of broadband sound levels and on a spectral basis (one-third, octave bands). Then the cruiser category was examined further since these motorcycles, generated the loudest and some of the quietest measured sound levels. Initial, investigations were made for the following: sound levels for groups of motorcycles, sound levels at sensitive receiver locations, and predictions of sound levels using, five motorcycle categories in a special research version of the FHWA Traffic Noise, Model® (TNM®).

FP-01/JD8AC, VX-82/JM008, VX-K6/LLE72, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS), with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Transportation, John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) are developing Air Tour Management Plans (ATMPs) for all national parks with commercial air tours, with the exception of the Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP), tribal lands within or abutting the GCNP, air tour operations flying over or near the Lake Mead National Recreation Area solely as a transportation route to conduct an air tour over GCNP, Rocky Mountain National Park, and national park units located in Alaska. An important area of technical support is the determination of representative baseline ambient sound levels for the study parks. During the summer (August - September 2008) and winter (February – April 2009), the National Park Service conducted baseline ambient sound level measurements in Dry Tortugas National Park. Up to one month of acoustical and meteorological data were measured at one site within the park. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

NPS TIC No. D-80, This report assesses opportunities for expanding Lowell National Historical Park’s historic trolley line by implementing a light rail system reminiscent of late 19th/early 20th Century trolley lines. This is in line with the Park Service’s Transportation Mission to preserve and protect resources while providing safe and enjoyable access within the National Parks by using sustainable, appropriate, integrated transportation solutions., This Plan uses as a starting point the existing trolley system, the Park Service and the LNHP commitment to Alternative Transportation Systems (ATS), and the on-going efforts to revitalize the City of Lowell. Objectives relate to mobility for visitors and residents, reducing traffic congestion, intra-regional connectivity, economic development, and maintaining and interpretive and educational context. Four major routes are identified and options for these routes evaluated, using the Objectives and Route Selection Criteria.

VX82/JT311, VX82/JT312, The United States National Park Service has voiced concern about roadway departure, warning indicators (rumble strips) being installed in locations that affect the natural, sound environment inside the park. Rumble strips can effectively alert errant drivers, whose vehicles are leaving the travel lane. Some research has been conducted on rumble, strips that perform effectively but result in lower noise levels in areas adjacent to a, roadway. To date, however, the research is limited and scattered. The purpose of this, study was to create a synthesis from collected information in order to have some, guidance on how to install rumble strips near or in parks while minimizing disturbances, in adjacent noise-sensitive areas. Included in this guidance document is a synthesis, of literature on rumble strip noise based on the type of rumble strip, applications of, rumble strips, the effects rumble strips have on various road users, including, bicyclists, and also recommendations for rumble strip use and application in a park, environment.

VX-82 / JT022, VX-H2 / KL640, During the summer of 2010 (July-August), the Volpe Center collected baseline acoustical data at Tuzigoot National Monument (TUZI) at a site deployed for approximately 30 days. The baseline data collected during this period will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating soundscape management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at TUZI include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

In 2005, Fort Clatsop National Memorial celebrates the bicentennial of the winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark expedition at Fort Clatsop. In the summer of 2004 a number of changes in operations were made at Fort Clatsop in anticipation of a large increase in visitation during the Bicentennial. Key changes to systems operations include the implementation of a ticket reservation system; the opening of Netul Landing as the new gateway to Fort Clatsop; the seasonal closing of the two parking lots near the visitor center; the use of shuttle buses to transport visitors from Netul Landing to the fort, and the expansion of regional bus service to accommodate visitors coming from nearby communities. The goal of this current evaluation is to assist the National Park Service (NPS) in assessing how the new systems have performed during the summer of 2004. NPS and its partners will use the findings from the evaluation to help inform decisions regarding operations for next summer.

VU13/MJ661, The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act and other anticipated financial changes are expected to reduce funding for National Park Service (NPS) transit systems. This paper discusses opportunities that may exist for NPS to work with the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration to obtain funding for transit systems through programs that have not been traditional sources for NPS. Audiences for this paper include NPS regional transportation coordinators, park unit superintendents, managers of NPS transit systems, and partners.

This study utilizes a geographic information systems (GIS) inventory to evaluate alternative transportation feasibility throughout the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail region.

NPS TIC No. D-52, This is the second phase of a plan to identify components of a sustainable and effective alternative transportation system that will provide improved access to, and connections among, the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site units. The goal is to reduce the congestion and pollution resulting from the mass-usage of private vehicles, by replacing them with transit alternatives. In particular, routes are proposed that connect the Vanderbilt Mansion to the Home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as well as the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historical Site. A number of design options are presented and recommendations for action are made.

VX-82 / JT342, VX-H2 / KL639, During the summer of 2010 (August – September), the Volpe Center collected baseline acoustical data at Petroglyph National Monument (PETR) at two sites deployed for approximately 30 days each. The baseline data collected during this period will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating soundscape management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at PETR include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

The NPS National Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) establishes a strategic framework for transportation investment service-wide over the next 20 years. It provides guidance to regional and park unit staff who make transportation investment and maintenance decisions every day. Because transportation touches all directorates and program areas, the National LRTP reflects the input of subject matter experts from across the agency, our partners and the public. It defines common goals that transcend traditional NPS administrative program boundaries. These goals are reflected in the overall vision for NPS transportation.

VX82/JT311, VX82/JT312, Death Valley National Park provided an environment that allowed a demonstration of, quieter pavement use. Sound measurements near the tire-pavement interface, near the, road, and in areas of frequent human use were conducted and analyses performed in order, to determine the general sound environment in the park and the potential benefit of, using quieter pavements. Tire-pavement noise data were collected using the on-board, sound intensity (OBSI) methodology, where sound levels for 15+ locations were, identified. The OBSI levels for specific pavements in Death Valley were then used in a, special research version of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model® (TNM®) in order to predict the, potential effect of using quieter pavements at the park.

HW-1M/BV371, The U.S. Department of Transportation, John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), Environmental Measurement and Modeling Division (Volpe Center), provided technical support to a, National Park Service (NPS) project to evaluate vehicular emissions in Cape Cod National Seashore. Air emissions were analyzed using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) MOBILE6.2 emissions inventory, prediction model, and noise emissions were analyzed using the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model. Input data are based on historical data, US Geological Survey data, and recommended, roadway speeds. An emissions inventory, location point receiver analysis, and contour analysis are presented for Cape Cod National Seashore.

This project puts forth a forward looking water-based transportation plan which would serve four NPS units in and around Boston Harbor: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Boston National Historical Park, Salem Maritime Historic Site, and Adams National Historical Park. The report examines the existing conditions at the four NPS units in terms of park facilities, visitor circulation, access and inter-modal connections, water transportation service, dock and pier facilities, and information services. Volpe identifies specific transportation needs for each NPS unit, as well as prospective transportation routes between the units and Boston Harbor. Operating cost analysis and dock-site needs assessment are accounted for. Finally, the report provides recommendations for ongoing support of alternative water transportation.

VX-82 / JT022, VX-H2 / KL640, During the summer of 2010 (July - August), the Volpe Center collected baseline acoustical data at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (SUCR) at a site deployed for approximately 30 days. The baseline data collected during this period will help park managers and planners estimate the effects of future noise impacts and will help to inform future park planning objectives such as creating soundscape management plans, as well as the development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), which provides for the regulation of commercial air tours. The sound sources of concern at SUCR include developments near park boundaries, air tours, commercial and private aircraft activities, and requests for special use permits for noisy activities. This document summarizes the results of the noise measurement study.

P14PG00431, VQ16/PY563, The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches through varied terrain for 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi. The National Parkway receives approximately fifteen million visitors each year, about six million of which are recreational visitors. Anecdotally, the number of bicyclists who use the Parkway is rising, in tourism, recreation, and commuting. In recent years there have been a number of crashes on the Parkway involving bicycles, four of which resulted in fatality. The Park staff has partnered with advocacy organizations in implementing safety interventions with bicycle-related signage and shared use lane markings. The Volpe Center conducted a study to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of these interventions and make recommendations for the Park to continue their work in improving safety for bicyclists and other roadway users. This study looks primarily at the roadway corridor within the larger context of a safety campaign being conducted by staff and partners of Natchez Trace Parkway.

VX-55/AS041, HW-1M/AS197, The U.S. Department of Transportation, John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), Environmental Measurement and Modeling Division (Volpe Center), provided technical support to the, National Parks Foundation as part of a National Park Service (NPS) project to evaluate vehicular emissions in the National Parks. In April 2003, a Visitor Vehicle Emissions Study was performed at Pt. Reyes National, Seashore in order to collect traffic count and vehicle tracking data. This data was processed through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) MOBILE6 modeling software to produce park-specific emission, factors. Alternative methods involving modal emissions models were also investigated. Mainly due to their ability to take into account park-specific driving cycles, modal emissions models are likely to provide results, that are more appropriate for the National Parks. The report discusses the emissions inventory development methodologies and the corresponding results. For further emissions modeling, a simplified approach using a, modal emissions model is recommended.

This report presents an evaluation of the first-year start-up (system was operational mid-May to mid-September 2007) of the visitor shuttle system in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park (SEKI). The visitor shuttle system design also includes an external shuttle or transit link, connecting the gateway communities of Visalia and Three Rivers to the park., The evaluation is intended to determine the impact of the visitor shuttle system on the goals, objectives and design criteria set forth by the park in a long history of both park management planning and derivative or tiered transportation project-specific planning.

This document serves as technical substantiation in support of a procurement for a fleet of vehicles to be used to operate a scheduled shuttle operation with multiple stops at North Cascades National Park Service Complex (NOCA), in the Stehekin Valley, located at the northern terminus of Lake Chelan in central Washington State, and an interpretative tour and ad-hoc group tours.