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Program Development

Multi-Objective Decision Analysis and Optimization Model for Transportation Investment Decision-Making at MDOT


Project Number: SPR-1764

Contract Number: 2024-0192

Status: Complete

Start Date: 01/30/2024

End Date: 01/30/2026

Multi-objective decision analysis (MODA) provides transportation agencies with a structured process for identifying a set of investments that delivers the greatest impact toward their objectives. In the presented research, the research team developed a prototype MODA-based approach for prioritizing pavement rehabilitation and reconstruction projects at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Research activities included a review of best practices and MODA applications, development of goals and measures for quantifying projects’ anticipated impacts, and implementation and evaluation of the proposed MODA approach using 39 test projects. The research demonstrated that a MODA-based approach can be used to assess and prioritize the target set of projects based on their anticipated asset condition, safety, accessibility and mobility, and environmental impacts. Further research could include implementation and evaluation of the proposed approach with additional data or decision-support tools, as well as adaptation of the MODA approach to other program areas at MDOT.

 

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