Traffic Analysis Tools
New FHWA Leaflet on Work Zone Analysis
Brief, easy-to-read overview of Work Zone Analysis and how modeling and simulation can be used as part of the analysis. Includes three short examples.
The Traffic Analysis Tools Program was formulated by FHWA in an attempt to strike a balance between efforts to develop new, improved tools in support of traffic operations analysis and efforts to facilitate the deployment and use of existing tools. FHWA has established two tracks under the Traffic Analysis Tools Program: the deployment track and the development track. Read more about the Program Challenges, Needs, and Future Directions.
Deployment Track
This track concentrates on the needs and concerns of the traffic analysis stakeholder community:
Guidance
- Volume I: Traffic Analysis Tools Primer
(HTML, PDF 613KB) - This primer presents a high-level overview of the different types of traffic analysis tools and their role in transportation analyses. The target audiences are agency management and high level decision makers.
- Volume II: Decision Support Methodology for Selecting Traffic Analysis Tools (HTML, PDF 1.3MB) - This volume identifies key criteria and circumstances to consider when selecting the most appropriate type of traffic analysis tool for the analysis at hand. The audience for this volume are project managers and project engineers.
- Decision Support Methodology Automated Tool (HTML, XLS 786KB)
- Volume III: Guidelines for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software (HTML, PDF 1.2MB) -
These guidelines provide a recommended process for using traffic microsimulation software in traffic analyses. The audience for this volume are project managers and project engineers.
- Volume IV: Guidelines for Applying CORSIM Microsimulation Modeling Software (HTML, PDF 7.2MB) -
This volume describes a process and acts as guidelines for the recommended use of CORSIM traffic simulation software in transportation analyses. The seven-step process presented in these guidelines highlights the aspects of a CORSIM analysis from project start to project completion. The seven steps in the process include: 1) scope project, 2) data collection, 3) base model development, 4) error checking, 5) calibration - comparing model MOEs to field data (and adjusting model parameters), 6) alternatives analysis, and 7) final report. Each step is described in detail and an example problem a plying the process is carried through the entire document. The audience for this volume are project managers and project engineers.
- Volume V: Traffic Analysis Toolbox Case Studies - Benefits and Applications (HTML, PDF 3.2MB) - The purpose of this Traffic Analysis Toolbox is to give the reader a summary of real world case studies that demonstrate the benefits of using traffic analysis tools for the project.
- Volume VI: Definition, Interpretation, and Calculation of Traffic Analysis Tools Measures of Effectiveness (HTML, PDF 734KB) - This document provides transportation professionals with understanding of some of the most commonly used measures of effectiveness (MOEs) generated by traffic simulation and analytical tools. and provide guidance on the calculation of the MOEs in some of the common analysis tools. It is hoped that this document will assist the transportation community in creating a more consistent process in the interpretation of MOEs from various analysis tools.
- Volume VII: Predicting Performance with Traffic Analysis Tools (HTML, PDF 1.7MB) - This document provides insights into the common pitfalls and challenges associated with use of traffic analysis tools for predicting future performance of a transportation facility. It provides five in-depth case studies that demonstrate common ways to ensure appropriate results when using an microsimulation tool, and also includes "how to" material that allows users to address common challenges associated with microsimulation analysis.
- Volume VIII: Work Zone Modeling & Simulation: A Guide for Decision-Makers (HTML, PDF 1.9MB) - This document provides guidance to decision-makers at agencies and jurisdictions considering the role of analytical tools in work zone planning and management. It is often unclear what kind of analytical approach may be of most value, particularly in light of complex data requirements and staff training. The decision to create an analytical capability to support decision-making can be a significant investment, and deserves careful consideration.
- Volume IX: Work Zone Modeling and Simulation - A Guide for Analysts (HTML, PDF 15MB) - This guide targets practitioners and includes more detailed real world and application information to help guide the selection of a modeling approach as well as specific project applications. This would be where tailoring the analysis begins, moving towards choosing what type of approach to administer and finally selecting the appropriate category of tool(s). This document uses examples/case studies/real world applications to help support the guidance provided.
Training
Development Track
Focuses on enhancing and developing models that are easier to use, more robust in their application, and more reliable in their results. Read more about the Models.
Through the FHWA Traffic Analysis Tools Program, our partners and customers will expand their use of analysis tools and innovative analysis approaches that consider a system-level approach and will enhance mobility. They will gain insight on recommended/best practices and lessons learned in operational analysis. They will gain a high level of confidence in utilizing the analysis tools for their local needs. The proactive role from FHWA, will enable analytical tools and decision-support systems to reach their full potential to support a viable transportation community in a manner sufficient to make a significant contribution to evolving traffic congestion and management problems.
Video Testimony: Traffic Analysis Tools Support Transportation Decisions
Select or click an image to view the video. You will need the Windows Media Player to view WMV files.
Nathan Masek
Mid-Region Council of Governments, New Mexico
Subject: IDAS
Video (WMV 5MB)
Zip Video (WinZip 5MB)
Transcript (HTML, PDF 75KB) |
Michael Medina & Jeff Shelton
El Paso District, TXDOT & TTI
Subject: DynaSmart
Video (WMV 6MB)
Zip Video (WinZip 5MB)
Transcript (HTML, PDF 82KB) |
Brian Isaacson
Metro District, MNDOT
Subject: Modeling, Analysis and Decisions
Video (WMV 7MB)
Zip Video (WinZip 6MB)
Transcript (HTML, PDF 71KB) |
Jerry Leos
El Paso District, TXDOT
Subject: DynaSmart
Video (WMV 4MB)
Zip Video (WinZip 4MB)
Transcript (HTML, PDF 75KB) |
You will need the