The Technical and Freight Planning (TFP) section maintains and operates the New Mexico Statewide Travel Demand Model (NMSTDM). This is done to provide baseline data for descriptive and planning purposes, and to provide an analytical tool for estimating the impact of potential transportation projects within the State of New Mexico. TFP collaborates with engineers and planners at NMDOT, as well as with professionals from other Tribal and local public agencies. The purpose of this modeling tool is to assist decision makers in determining whether proposed projects are scaled appropriately for the needs of the travelling public, and where resources can best be directed for cost effective outcomes.

The NMSTDM produces data by estimating and forecasting Traffic Volumes, Traffic Speed, Vehicle Hours Travelled (VHT), and Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) for passenger vehicles, as well as medium and large freight vehicles. Volume to Capacity ratios (V/C) are available for combined total traffic on road facilities. Additional data may be generated based on the specifics of a model run request.

Data can be produced for the NMSTDM’s base year (2023), and in future years (2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045 & 2050) to forecast changes in travel demand over time. However, the model road network used by the NMSTDM is a subset of the entire New Mexico road network. It includes all major and most mid-sized roads.  Low volume local roads are typically not represented in the model network with that traffic captured by other roads.

A primary feature of the NMSTDM is that it allows planners and engineers to model alternative project scenarios. This provides a contrast between expected travel demand in a given year and how demand may be different if a project is implemented. This is accomplished by comparing model results of a No-Build scenario to a Build scenario. Typical modelling scenarios involve adding or removing a roadway facility, or changing the speed, capacity and/or access of road facilities. Often there are multiple Build scenarios (or alternatives) associated with a potential project. The NMSTDM can compare and contrast these Build scenarios to help refine the scope of the project.

Data sources that were used for this work include roadway network and traffic count data produced by the NMDOT Data Management Bureau, travel data from commercial vendors, and socio-economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.