TPO adopts TDOT-adjusted midpoint targets for FHWA PM2 and PM3 measures
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Summary
The board approved a resolution adopting adjusted four-year targets for Federal Highway Administration PM2 (pavement/bridge) and PM3 (travel-time reliability and emissions) at the state's midpoint assessment, including no change to pavement/bridge targets and modest increases for travel-time reliability targets.
The Knoxville Regional TPO on March 26 adopted a resolution approving adjusted four-year targets for Federal Highway Administration PM2 and PM3 performance measures following the state's midpoint progress report.
Mike Conger, TPO staff, summarized the statewide midpoint review and said the targets are part of the Federal Highway Transportation Performance Management program established under MAP-21. “This is another action item for your consideration today to adopt a resolution, approving the adjusted 4 year targets for Federal Highway PM2 and PM3 performance measure areas,” Conger said.
Conger told the board TDOT elected not to change pavement and bridge (PM2) targets because the state is “on track” and has emphasized a fix-first approach to maintain those assets. By contrast, TDOT adjusted several PM3 reliability targets upward after 2024 data showed travel-time reliability had degraded since the COVID low-traffic years. “When TDOT adjusted their target they saw with 2024 data midway through the year they were not meeting their 4 year target 1.35…None of those individual months so that's why they've set their target higher,” Conger explained.
Conger also explained CMAQ-related emission-reduction targets (a PM3 subcomponent) reflect only emission reductions from projects that have been obligated; TDOT's pipeline and selection timing lowered the emissions credit available at the midpoint.
Board members asked whether freight modal splits (truck vs. rail vs. barge) are part of the reliability analysis. Conger said the truck travel-time reliability metric is highway-focused; TDOT maintains a statewide freight plan that addresses mode-specific analysis and bottlenecks, and the TPO expects to revisit freight in its upcoming long-range mobility planning work.
A motion to approve the resolution was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. The board recorded no roll-call tallies in the meeting transcript.
