Methodology for Prioritizing Sidewalk Construction among 100 Candidate Sites on Rural National Highways

PURPOSES: The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology to prioritize sidewalk construction on rural national highways. METHODS : In order to determine an appropriate prioritization for sidewalk construction, we developed a specific methodology. The proposed methodology includes three main steps: 1) Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods, 2) Subjective evaluation of relevant road agencies for the candidate sidewalks along rural national highways, and 3) Field study conduction. Each step has four phases. The primary feature of this methodology is the addition of expert consultation and survey data, as well as a field study. In addition, the method could guarantee flexibility in selection for evaluation criteria. As a result, the proposed methodology could be used as a general procedure for application to other roadway classifications when considering sidewalk construction. RESULTS: In order to demonstrate the reasonableness of the proposed methodology, a case study was performed for exactly 100 candidate sites for sidewalk construction on rural national highways. All required evaluation scores were properly produced for each candidate site. By doing so, decision-makers can determine the priority for sidewalk construction at these sites by reviewing quantitatively and qualitatively considered data. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the case study can be applied to a long-term fundamental plan for sidewalk construction on rural national highways. Furthermore, this methodology could be employed to prioritize a small-scale SOC project(e. g. bicycle or pedestrian roads).