CE 261 Transportation Planning

Prerequisite: CE 148 Transportation Systems or instructor permission

Units: 3.0

Classroom: Santa Clara Hall 1118D

Class Time: Thursday: 5:45 - 8:30 PM

Office Hours: Wednesday 5:45 - 8:30 PM & Right after class time

Course Description

CE 261 Transportation Planning course provides a complete overview of planning of transportation infrastructure for different modes i.e. road, public transit, non-motorized transport, etc. This course explores a broad range of topics that touch on method, policy, process, and design in the transportation planning area. Further, the application of the aforementioned theoretical concepts and the common practice are also explained in detail. The historical evolution and development of key transportation institutions, policies, and methods are analyzed, using examples from California and the United States. Additionally, at least three lab sessions will be conducted to provide students with the experience of the application of transportation planning concepts.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes

The expected student learning outcomes have been mapped to the ABET a-k outcomes. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should:

  • Understand the concepts of transportation planning, its nature, legal framework, components, process, and products at federal, state, and local levels.
  • Understand the urban travel characteristics and data needs for transportation systems planning.
  • Become familiar with the history, concepts, theory, and implementations in travel demand modeling.
  • Explain how transportation projects are funded in California.
  • Aware of environmental considerations in the transportation planning process.
  • Gain hands-on experience on data analysis tools (python), travel demand modeling (Cube Voyager), and emission models (EMFAC).
  • Identify, analyze, and solve transportation problems using the techniques and software taught in this course.

Grading Structure

  • Attendance - 10%
  • Assignments - 40%
  • Project & Presentation - 50%

Textbook and Reference

  • Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Transportation Planning Handbook, 3rd Edition Edition,2009
  • Modelling Transport, 4th edition, Juan de Dios Ortuzar and Luis G. Willumsen (2011, Wiley)
  • Applications of New Travel Demand Forecasting Techniques to Transportation Planning

Student Project

  • Each individual has to complete a project that deals with transportation problems
  • Project consists of a proposal document (at least a page), proposal presentation (at least 5 min), final project presentation (at least 12 min) and final project report (at least five-page)
  • Project final report should consist of the following:
    1. Abstract ( What was done in the project )
    2. Problem Statement ( What problem is solved in the project )
    3. Methodology ( How did you solve the problem )
    4. Data ( What kind of data used – if used)
    5. Results/Recommendations ( What are the results of the project)
    6. References ( What are the literature or data sources)
  • Students are highly encouraged to choose their project topics; however, the Instructor might help if the student fails to choose.

Assignment/Project Submissions

  • Extensions on assignments/project will be granted only in case of emergency or special circumstances. Assignments handed in late without authorized extensions will be penalized one-third of a grade per day.
  • Assignments are due prior to 5:45 pm on the dates indicated on Assignments.

Software

Class Schedule

Date Week Topic Details
1/27/2022 Week1 Introductions/Syllabus Introduction
2/03/2022 Week2 Introduction to Transportation Planning Lecture 1
2/10/2022 Week3 Tools for Transportation Data Processing Lecture 2 & Assignment 1 & Lab 1
2/17/2022 Week4 Transportation Finance & Funding Lecture 3
2/24/2022 Week5 Introduction to Travel Demand Modeling Lecture 4
3/3/2022 Week6 Trip Generation
Trip Distribution		 Lecture 5 & Assignment 2
3/10/2022 Week7 Mode Choice
Highway Assignment		 Lab 2
3/17/2022 Week8 Travel Demand Modeling Lab
Project Proposal Presentations		 Lecture 6
3/24/2022 Week9 Spring Break No Class
3/31/2022 Week10 Chavez Day No Class
4/7/2022 Week11 Travel Demand Modeling Applications Lab3 & Assignment 3
4/14/2022 Week12 Transport Planning at Governmental Agencies
Transit & Non Motorized Transport Planning		 Lecture 7
4/21/2022 Week13 Evaluation Methods
Asset Management
Planning for Parking		 Lecture 8 & Assignment 4
4/28/2022 Week14 Travel Demand Management
Freight Planning
Integrating Safety into Planning		 Lecture 9
5/5/2022 Week15 New Mobility Options and Advanced Topics
Work on Student Projects		 Lecture 10
5/12/2022 Week16 Final Project Presentations No Lecture
5/19/2022 Week17 Final Project Report Project Report Due

Last updated on Apr 7, 2022