planning

Refers to a process that allows people’s needs, preferences and values to be reflected in decisions. Planning occurs at many different levels, from day-to-day decisions made by individuals and families, to major decisions made by governments and businesses that have comprehensive, long-term impacts on society. Management can be considered a short-term form of planning, while planning can be considered a longer-term form of management.

peak period/hour

Represents a time period of high usage of a transport system. For transit, it refers to morning and afternoon time periods when ridership is at its highest.

intermodal terminal

A terminal which can accommodate several modes of transportation. They increasingly tend to be specializing at handling specific types of passengers or freight traffic, while they may share the same infrastructures.

inland port

A rail or a barge terminal that is linked to a maritime terminal with regular inland transport services. An inland port has a level of integration with the maritime terminal and supports a more efficient access to the inland market both for inbound and outbound traffic. This implies an array of related logistical activities linked with the terminal, such as distribution centers, depots for containers and chassis, warehouses and logistical service providers.

right of way

Real property, obtained by local or state government either in fee or through line establishment and containing the travelway, roadside, drainage systems and other appurtenances necessary for public travel.

artery/arterials

Highways that are characterized by a capacity to quickly move relatively large volumes of traffic but often provide limited access to abutting properties. The arterial system typically provides for high travel speeds and the longest trip movements.

impervious surface

A surface through which nothing, particularly precipitation, can penetrate.

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

You can find more information on the FEMA website.

at-grade

Referenced to the intersection of two roadways, or a roadway and a railway, which cross at the same elevation. This intersection can be controlled by traffic signals or stop signs.

capacity

The capability of a roadway to accommodate traffic usually expressed as the number of vehicles per lane per hour for a given level of service.