1. Traffic Simulation

Ok Guys! J  Now you are going to explore traffic micro-simulation and determine existing and future levels of service for different roadways systems. You will learn about highway design principles related to intersections and traffic signal control. 

                       Back ground

From the earliest beginning of the automobile, it has been necessary for travelers to change from one road to another. To accommodate this movement of vehicles, intersections were developed at road crossings allowing travelers to change direction, if desired. The art of designing a functional intersection has been the focus of many studies and many software tools have been developed for this purpose. The topics covered are basic traffic engineering, intersection design, and why intersections have the lanes and configurations they do. Students become familiar with terms such traffic level-of-service and micro-simulation analysis.

1.      The instructor will demonstrate a traffic simulation model and discuss the level-of-service concept. 

2.    You will then use the software and collect data to perform an analysis of an existing intersection. 

3.    You will then forecast future traffic flow for intersection and will need to adjust lanes, add/remove turning lanes, and make signal timing changes to obtain the best possible level-of-service (or minimize the delay to the greatest extent) while limiting the cost of your design.

Materials and tools:

                              Computers

                              Micro-simulation software

                              Notebook

1. Traffic Simulation Report Sheet

Group Name:         ______________________

1.      Test an existing intersection to determine it's level-of-service.

2.    Test the same intersection with forecasted traffic conditions to see changes in level-of-service for the intersection.

3.    Test different intersection configurations to obtain the best level-of-service possible for the intersection in the future.

Test #1: Existing Level-of-service,

What is the existing level-of-service?

What is the total traffic volume?

Test #2: Forecasted Traffic Conditions

What is the forecasted level-of-service?

What is the total traffic volume?

Test #3: Alternative Configurations   

What is the change associated with adding a left turn lane?

What is the change associated with adding additional lane?

What is the best level-of-service and delay value that you can develop?

Using the formulas provided in class, what is the cost for the best design alternative?

Test #4: Draw your final design in the space provided.

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