Selection of the Proper Traffic Analysis Tool
The selection of any traffic analysis tool should align the purpose and objective of the analysis with the capabilities and limitation of the tool. From a project administrative perspective, there are several technical, time requirements and budget factors which come into play, as does the availability of the associated data. Realizing this, FHWA has developed a Traffic Analysis Toolbox, which currently contains 3 volumes.
A few principles which FHWA promotes, (regardless of which tool) is the effective scoping of a traffic analysis project, selection of the most appropriate tool for the given project, and the effective application of the selected tool. These principles are discussed in the Toolbox documentation. Particular to microsimulation, Volume 3 presents a process for the application of microsimulation.
FHWA continues to utilize the Highway Capacity Manual for traffic analysis, however we recognize that the use of other traffic analysis tools (including microsimulation) may aid or compliment the decision making process.
FHWA does not have a requirement on the use of CORSIM, or any other specific microsimulation tool. This position recognizes and is consistent with the principle of selecting the appropriate tool for the given project - for example CORSIM may not be the most appropriate tool to analyze a TWLTL or a Roundabout.
The Toolbox is expanding, and FHWA is currently developing an application guidance document for CORSIM (Volume 4), which will be available in 2005. It draws on the process outlined in Volume 3, which reflects the specifics when applying TSIS.
To help implement the guidance of the Decision Support Methodology for Selecting Traffic Analysis Tools and execute the Criteria for Selecting the Appropriate Type of Traffic Analysis Tool, access the Decision Support Methodology Automated Tool (HTML, XLS 786KB).
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