CWCOG Model Update

Transpo updated the regional travel forecasting model for the Kelso-Longview urban area. The model update included refinement of the transportation analysis zones, including adding some adjacent rural areas of Cowlitz County to ensure the model accurately addressed traffic flows at interchanges along Interstate-5. The model network was updated to reflect recent changes and the updated zone system.

Transpo prepared the 2030 horizon year to assist with the update of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the region. The 2030 horizon year forecasts were applied to the I-5/SR 432 Access Decision Report for possible changes to the existing interchange. Transpo also has identified simple methods for CWCOG and its member agencies to keep land use and transportation data up-to-date to facilitate future model updates.

In 2006, Transpo converted the model to the VISUM software package. Additional detail was added to the model to support the City of Longview’s Comprehensive Plan Update. The refinement included more detailed zone structure and revised land use forecasts to be consistent with Longview’s Comprehensive Plan Update.