The effect on air quality of a higher-density alternative land use scenario that concentrates a high percentage of the employment growth expected between 1989 and 2010 along transit corridors, was compared with that for the expected lower-density suburban development typical in the denver region. The lower-density suburban growth development pattern was served by a circumferential highway, whereas in the higher-density scenario the circumferential was deleted with theexception of those segments already constructed or reasonably committed. Both scenarios included a rapid transit system. A high-occupancy vehicle lane system was also substituted for other freeway improvements proposed as part of the regional transportation plan. Although transit patronage increased significantly in the higher-density scenario, vehicle miles of travel remained relatively unchanged. Carbon monoxide levels increased under the higher-density land use case, but remained well below the federal standard. Other pollutant levelsdid not vary significantly between the two scenarios. Concentrating much of the 1989 to 2010 regional employment growth along transit corridors did not improve air quality. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1312, Energy and environmental issues 1991.
Samenvatting