Economic appraisal of climbing lanes.

Innovative traffic data collection and economic appraisal for assessment of climbing lane on M62 motorway are described. Local models of lane allocation, speed and flow were developed to reflect the do- nothing situation whilst the do- something was modelled by observation of existing climbing lane sections. A micro- based computer program was developed to produce a COBA compatible economic evaluation incorporating changes in travel time and vehicle operating costs. The effect of accidents and the delays due to construction and maintenance were also assessed using standard COBA and QUADRO techniques.