INDIRECT LAND USE AND GROWTH IMPACTS OF HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS

Abstract

The Oregon Department of Transportation undertook this study of the impacts of highway capacity improvements on land uses and growth, particularly at the urban fringe. This study was instituted to better understand the “cause and effect” relationships between highway capacity, travel demand and development patterns. The relationships of a variety of factors to resulting growth were evaluated for their ability to predict growth. Case studies of some communities were completed to provide an in-depth understanding of the pressures which drive development decisions and land use change. This interim report provides initial findings of the study. It has found that most highway capacity increases do not cause development to be dramatically different from local land use plan guidance, or from what would have occurred in absence of the highway improvement. For Oregon, local governments hold the tools to determine development patterns, using zoning and public utilities such as water, sewer and roads. The final phase of the study will complete additional case studies and develop guidance for transportation planners to evaluate indirect impacts of highway improvements.

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