A Model of Bridge Choice Across the Mississippi River

5 On September 18th 2008, a replacement for the previously collapsed I-35W bridge opened 6 to the public. Consequently, travelers were once again confronted with the opportunity to find 7 better alternatives. The traffic pattern of the Minneapolis road network was likely to read8 just, because of the new link addition. However, questions arise about the possible reasons (or 9 components in the route choice process) that are likely to influence travelers crossing the Mis10 sissippi, who had to choose among several bridge options, including the new I-35W bridge. A 11 statistical model of bridge choice is specified and estimated employing weighted-least squares 12 logit, and using Global Positioning System (GPS) data and web-based surveys collected both 13 before and after the replacement bridge opened. In this way the proportion of I-35W trips can 14 be estimated depending on the assigned values of the explanatory variables, which include: 15 statistical measures of the travel time distribution experienced by the subjects, alternative di16 versity, and others. The results showed that travel time savings and reliability were the main 17 reasons for choosing the new I-35W bridge. 18