Expanding the Capability of the Statewide Travel Demand Model Using Dynamic Traffic Assignment

A relatively recent modeling innovation known as dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) is designed to represent fluctuating traffic volumes and long trips on complex networks over the course of a single day. Integrating an optional DTA step into the AZTDM2 would improve the model’s accuracy, flexibility, and versatility, thereby enhancing ADOT’s ability to evaluate complex modernization projects—such as traffic interchange reconfiguration, intelligent transportation systems, and other traffic operations enhancements—and model traffic congestion and freight movement more accurately than is currently possible. The proposed study would build on the results of SPR-768 Dynamic Traffic Assignment: Assessing Its Value as a Planning Support Tool in Arizona by integrating an optional DTA step into the AZTDM2 in a way that is both computationally efficient and easy for ADOT staff to use. Objectives are to: (1) Integrate a DTA step into ADOT’s statewide travel demand model. (2) Enhance the DTA model framework developed as part of SPR 768; calibrate and validate the DTA module using ADOT’s most up-to-date traffic counts and roadway data. (3) Identify project types at the macro-, meso-, and micro-levels to evaluate using DTA; develop user guides for each project type. (4) Enhance the AZTDM2 user interface to integrate a DTA step; expand the AZTDM2 interface file and scenario-management components to include DTA inputs, outputs, and scenarios; add the capability to process DTA results and generate custom graphics and tables to the AZTDM2. (5) Develop a comprehensive user guide and appropriate model documentation for the DTA module. (6) Train ADOT staff in the use of an integrated DTA/AZTDM2 model and interface. Update the AZTDM2 with the capability to continuously monitor key corridors and facilities using DTA. (7) Identify 10-15 key corridors (e.g. the interstate system, key commerce corridors, etc). For each corridor, determine data needed (e.g. lane and shoulder widths, spatial accuracy, signal locations, driveways, etc) for the DTA module to evaluate effects on the state roadway network at macroscopic and mesoscopic resolutions. (8) Calibrate and validate the DTA module on identified key corridors. (9) Identify corridor performance metrics, develop automated routines to output performance metrics (graphics and tables) for each corridor and track year-over-year performance.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Programmed
• Contract Numbers:

  SPR-790

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Arizona Department of Transportation Research Center

  206 S. 17th Avenue
  ADOT Research Center
  Phoenix, AZ  United States  85007

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Planning, Environment and Realty (HEP)
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Proffitt, David

• Start Date: 20230614
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dynamic traffic assignment; Travel demand
• Geographic Terms: Arizona
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01893334
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Arizona Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: SPR-790
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 15 2023 5:45PM