Quantum Traffic provide specialist traffic modelling services in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
Cities, suburbs and towns will all change over time.
When dealing with significant changes to the transport network, such as increases in population brought on by new development, the role of traffic engineers is to help make sure that people and goods can get to where they need to go, safely and efficiently.
Traffic modelling is a key tool that traffic engineers use to analyse how efficiently people and goods move along the road network.
What is traffic modelling?
Traffic modelling, also known as transport modelling, is the use of mathematical computer models to replicate the operation of the road network.
Traffic modelling allows traffic engineers to consider how the operation of the road network changes under different conditions, such as with different traffic demands (such as a new development) or with different intersection control (such as traffic signals or a roundabout). This helps us to understand how the road network operates currently and the likely impacts of different changes to the road network.
Ultimately, traffic modelling is a tool used by traffic engineers to reach their overarching goal: to safely and efficiently manage the movement of people and goods.
What software is used for traffic modelling?
There are a variety of different software packages that are used in traffic modelling, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Often, road authorities have their own preferences for which software packages are used for projects on their road network. At Quantum Traffic, we specialise in using the Aimsun Next and SIDRA Intersection software packages.
For more complex models or where animated outputs are required, a traffic simulation model (such as Aimsun Next) is used. Aimsun Next is widely used internationally and is the preferred traffic simulation software in the ACT and NSW.
For smaller-scale models and where a quick turn-around time is required, an analytical traffic model (such as SIDRA Intersection) is used. SIDRA Intersection is widely used by local government and state road authorities throughout Australia.
When is transport modelling used?
Traffic modelling is most valuable for projects which are expected to generate significant traffic demands, particularly those located in areas where the road network is already congested.
For example traffic modelling for developments in brownfields locations would be used to assess the constraints on the existing road network and to develop solutions to accommodate the development traffic demands. This is vital data for architects and developers in their negotiations with Councils and road authorities.
Want to see how traffic modelling helps build new communities? Check out how we used traffic modelling to help build a school in a rapidly developing region of Canberra.
How does traffic modelling work?
First, we collect the (existing conditions) data that helps us to prepare the model. This often includes:
· Road geometry,
· Traffic volumes,
· Traffic signal phases and timings,
· Public transport timetables,
· Queue lengths, and
· Travel times.
This data is used to build the model and to ensure that it accurately reflects real-world conditions (calibration and validation).
The model is then ready to be used to consider changes to the road network. Often this involves two scenarios. The first (base or business-as-usual) scenario sets a baseline for how the road network is likely to operate in the future without the proposed development. The second (future development) scenario considers how the road network is likely to operate with the proposed development. In this way the impacts associated with the proposed development can be identified through the comparison of the results from the two scenarios.
Finally, the model can be used to test how different changes to the road network (such as changes to traffic signal phasing or timing) will impact the road network.
Traffic modelling guidelines
Many road authorities provides their own guidelines for how traffic modelling should be undertaken within their jurisdiction.
Following these guidelines will mean an easy negotiation process, should you require traffic modelling as evidence when negotiating with road authorities.
Follow the links below for the transport modelling guidelines in your jurisdiction.
Australian Capital Territory:
New South Wales:
Victoria:
How traffic modelling helps architects win work
Developers are well aware of the need to minimise traffic impacts. Not only will doing so help the future liveability and value of their development, but Councils demand that any development they approve must not adversely impact the surrounding traffic.
Therefore, when looking for an architect to bring their projects to life, input from a traffic engineering consultant is like gold.
Traffic engineers can use traffic modelling to show the relevant Council or road authority the long-term traffic impacts of an architect's design.
Therefore, the input of a traffic engineer will be vital in getting your design approved and brought to life.
Want to find out more about how traffic modelling can help get your design approved?
Get in contact with us Quantum Traffic today and let us help your development set the standard for sustainable roads and liveable communities. Call us at 1300 757 016 send us your enquiry via our online contact form now.
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