The Holistic Intersection Rating System (HIRS: A Novel Methodology to Measure Intersection Performance

Background Urban roadway intersections are key components of urban transportation networks. They are traditionally viewed and designed as primarily motorized-traffic facilities thus their physical and operational designs aimed at maximizing traffic throughput. Seen from a systems’ viewpoint, however, they are transport and community facilities with direct and indirect impacts on traffic functionalities, public health and the livability of communities. Thus, an integrated physical and operational design approach is necessary to design and/or analyze those intersections. Methods This study proposes a new methodology for measuring intersection performance called the Holistic Intersection Rating System (HIRS). It is based on design and technology innovation to improve operations and foster public health and community well-being. HIRS will assess the intersection design and functionalities with respect to two main categories: enabling technologies and physical design aimed at the transport functionality, and physical design and operability aimed at public health and community well-being. In particular, HIRS examines transportation intersections as system components of the urban environment. It rates the physical features of the road and the different motorized and non-motorized traffic flow design and operation parameters that equitably optimize throughput and support desired public health and community well-being outcomes. The public health and community well-being outcomes HIRS rates relate to physical and mental health, community severance, and “completeness” of intersections. Results HIRS facilitates pedestrian and cyclists’ use of intersections so intersections serve the dual needs of meaningful travel and good health while improving drivers experience and neighborhood livability and quality of life. The HIRS index may be constructed using common intersection travel efficiency and public health and community well-being indicators or indicators. The indicators can be weighed using two methodologies: the Relative Importance Index (RII) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The proposed system will be validated using an interdisciplinary industry panel of experts, and with empirical theoretical data runs. Conclusions Physical and operational design of roadway intersections, and the rating of sufficiency of such designs, are both necessary and possible for the well-functioning and use of urban transport systems and their users irrespective of modality. Tools that are dynamic and accommodating of changing designs and community values and priorities are necessary.