Traffic Simulation Case Studies: A Series of Analysis Examples

When: October 10, 2024, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM ET

This webinar is led by the ITE SimCap Committee

Webinar Description:

Traffic simulation is a valuable tool to analyze complex transportation designs. This webinar will focus on traffic simulation case studies to provide the attendee some new perspective and introduce various cutting-edge simulation techniques.
Three presentations will be delivered and are described as follows:

1) Traffic Analysis Toolbox Volume 3 Update: Proof of Concept Case Studies
Volume 3 (Guidelines for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software) has become one of the most recognized and utilized resources within FHWA’s Traffic Analysis Toolbox (TAT). Following the initial publication in 2004, FHWA published a major update in 2019. The 2019 update offers a more robust calibration methodology that achieves better outcomes than traditional methods when applied properly. To facilitate adoption of the 2019 method, FHWA conducted a series of case studies in 2023 and will soon publish a report describing the case studies. This presentation summarizes the outcomes and lessons learned from the recent TAT Volume 3 case studies.
 

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the background, motivation, goals, and deliverables of the TAT Volume 3 case studies project.

• Explain the real-world locations, supportive agencies, data sources, and operating conditions of three case studies.

• Understand typical outcomes from the cluster analysis, model calibration, and alternatives analysis steps.

• State the high-level outcomes and lessons learned from the case studies.

2) I-29, I-35, U.S. 169 PEL Alternatives Development and Analysis
I-29, I-35, U.S. 169 PEL is a Planning and Environmental Linkage study of the I-29, I-35, and US. 169 corridors initiated by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to identify the Purpose and Need for improvements within the project study area and determine possible viable alternatives for a long-term solution and recommendation that can be carried forward seamlessly into the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies. The project develops short-term and long-term alternatives and proposed actions for improving safety, reducing congestion, improving operational performance, addressing asset management, and positioning for future transportation needs along I-29, I-35, and U.S. 169. The project evaluates existing, FNB, and FB conditions using Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) modeling in Dynameq software.
 

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how to leverage existing data and use it to build the model

• Demonstrate how DTA modeling combines the benefits of microscopic models and travel demand models into one

• Explain how to code the signal timing in Synchro and feed it back to Dynameq

3) State of the Practice of a State Utilization of Traffic Simulation
Despite the increasing use of traffic simulation through the years, there are still many needs and issues facing transportation agencies and modelers in their use of traffic simulation. These needs and issues have not been sufficiently surveyed and summarized in the literature. A study conducted in Florida identified the current applications, needs, and issues of traffic simulation modeling based on a survey of public and private agencies in Florida. The study conducted an online survey of traffic simulation modelers in Florida, followed by phone interviews with a subset of the respondents to the survey. The survey addressed the types of utilized traffic analysis and simulation tools, utilized simulation guidance, utilized traffic data and performance measures, calibration processes and resources utilized by agencies, the current practice of future year demand forecasting, and perspective regarding the simulation of emerging technologies. The results from this study will help provide an understanding of how traffic simulation is currently being used and help identify what is needed to enhance simulation modeling capabilities and practices in the future.
 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the current utilization of traffic analysis, tools and data and summarize current issues facing analysts

• Describe current model calibration and validation practices and explain the need for guidance

• Discuss model archiving and maintenance

• Assess what is needed to enhance simulation modeling capabilities and practices in the future

Moderator: 

Eric Tripi, PTOE, Regional Transportation Leader | GHD | Farmington Hills, MI, Michigan, USA

Presenters:

• David Hale, Senior Transportation Project Manager | Leidos | McLean, VA, USA
• Joseph Blasi, PTOE, Senior Technical Advisor - Transportation Planning Engineer | HNTB Corporation | Kansas City, MO, USA
• Amro Abdulwahid, P.E., Engineer III - Transportation Planning Engineer | HNTB Corporation | Kansas City, MO, USA
• Mohammed Hadi, P.E., Professor and Director | Florida International University | University Park, Florida, USA
• Thomas Hill, State Modeling Manager | Florida Department of Transportation | Tallahassee, FL, USA