Development of a nationwide road change database for the U.S. in the post-recession years (2008–2012)

Abstract

Previous transportation network growth research in the United States has focused on long-term historical changes across selected metropolitan areas. However, short-term comparative explorations, especially those considering all levels of the nationwide road hierarchy, have been neglected. This study aims to create a comprehensive road change database of the United States through compilation of U.S. Census Bureau TIGER/Line GIS datasets from 2008 to 2012. Annual and four-year road changes were derived using Python geo processing scripts, and aggregate road change statistics were developed for each state, metropolitan statistical area, and county nationwide. Preliminary analyses found that the changes exhibited moderate spatial autocorrelation and revealed regional differences. Counties surrounding Atlanta, Georgia produced highly statistically significant outliers—Forsyth County experienced road growth of over thirty-eight percent—suggesting that anomalous expansion processes have uniquely shaped this area.