27 CAR § 95-403. Scope of analysis

(a) Once the purpose and need has been identified, the next step is to define the scope of the operational analysis, both geographic and temporal. (b) This should be accomplished during early coordination before the IJR is developed. (c) When developing the scope of the operational analysis, several questions should be considered, including: (1) What are the limits of the proposed project?; (2) What is the proximity to adjacent interchanges and intersections?; (3) How does the study area influence operations at adjacent locations within the transportation network?; (4) What alternatives are likely to be considered?; (5) What physical elements within the network can be analyzed to support the purpose and need?; (6) How many hours of congestion are present today, and how will this likely change in the future?; (7) Will the operational characteristics of the surrounding area change in the future and, if so, will an understanding of how this relates to the study area warrant analysis?; (8) What degree of precision is required to make an informed decision?; (9) Will varying travel demand patterns and land use scenarios be considered to assess how robust and flexible the alternatives are?; and (10) In corridors where the potential exists for future multiple interchange additions, has a corridor study been completed?