Development of a decision support system for the design of transport infrastructure

(VSS2000/339)

Client

Swiss Association of Road and Traffic Experts (VSS)

IVT staff

M. Bernard
K.W. Axhausen

Duration

11.2003 - 12.2007

Keywords

Dimensioning of transport infrastructure, design traffic, demand and capacity, dimensioning concepts

Abstract

Since their emergence in the 1930s, transport planning and engineering have developed a range of concepts which help planners to design networks and road infrastructures. 30th-hourly volume, peak 15-minute period, average daily traffic etc. At the same time, though not integrated in these approaches, several economically oriented evaluation concepts, such as the cost-benefit analysis, have been conceptualised. Aim of the project is the development of a modern dimensioning concept for transport infrastructure.

The concept shall suitably consider the variability of travel demand as well as as the infrastructure's capacity. The underlying methodology evaluates user costs (time and operational costs) and operator's costs (investment and maintenance) appropriately and will furthermore match the requirements of traffic safety, the environment and and political measures. The concept will be based on the latest findings about the evaluation of traffic related impacts on the environment and the society. The working
method of the project is the iteration of theoretical developments of approaches, practical testing of case studies, discussion of the feasibility with practician and the relevant expert commissions. Aim of the project is the development of a modern dimensioning concept for transport infrastructure. The concept shall suitably consider the variability of travel demand as well as as the infrastructure's capacity. The underlying methodology evaluates user costs (time and operational costs) and operator's costs (investment and maintenance) appropriately and will furthermore match the requirements of traffic safety, the environment and and political measures. The concept will be based on the latest findings about the evaluation of traffic related impacts on the environment and the society. If necessary, special concepts for sub-tasks of transport engineering are deduced from the overall approach. The results will go into in a fundamental update of the norm SN 640 016 "design traffic".

Publications

Bernard, M. and K.W. Axhausen (2008) Grundlagen für eine differenzierte Bemessung von Verkehrsanlagen, final report for SVI 2000/339, Schriftenreihe, 1283, Bundesamt für Strassen, UVEK, Bern. Download

Further information

Research database project 10530