WisDOT MAPSS - Mobility - Delay - Delivering transportation choices that result in efficient trips and no unexpected delays.
Delay - Delivering transportation choices that result in efficient trips and no unexpected delays.This is a measure of highway congestion that estimates the additional time travelers needed to reach their destinations when traffic is moving slower than free-flow conditions. The department tracks this number to better understand traffic patterns and capacity challenges that may be unique to certain areas. The numbers are not comparable to MAPSS results published prior to 2018, as the federal performance data source, used for this measure, was revised in 2017. The goal is to reduce hours of delay from the prior year’s performance result (a lower number is better).
To view more detailed information visit: Performance Map and Statewide Corridor List.
A smooth flow of traffic creates positive impacts for our economy, environment and quality of life. Conversely, traffic jams and congestion can waste fuel and compromise air quality. Highway congestion occurs when traffic demand exceeds available capacity. There are two categories: recurring congestion (where delays and traffic jams happen with regularity) and unexpected congestion (crashes, bad weather). A focus on vehicle delay helps the department gain insight into highway capacity needs to better serve the traveling public.
Vehicle delay is comprised of recurrent and non-recurrent delay. Recurrent delay is caused by normal fluctuations in traffic demand such as morning and evening commuter traffic. Non-recurrent delay differs by seasons and areas of the state. Factors include: traffic surges from holidays and special events, weather related delays and incidents, and work zone impacts such as road closures, lane restrictions and traffic detours.
Wisconsin strives to improve vehicular delay throughout the state. Improvements to transportation infrastructure continue in each of the five transportation regions. Wisconsin has undertaken a delay-causation study seeking to identify root causes of delay throughout the interstate system. The state is also conducting a truck parking study identifying potential area of truck parking concerns and how to alleviate them. Smart work zone devices have been deployed in 18 counties across Wisconsin and provide real-time work zone data.