1 VISSIM Protocol ITE Oregon Traffic Simulation Roundtable May 31, 2012 Chi Mai

2 Presentation Overview  Background of VISSIM Use at ODOT  Process for Protocol Development  Chapter by Chapter of Protocol  Resources for VISSIM Model Development  Questions and Feedback

3 Background June 2005 – ODOT purchased VISUM and VISSIM package license through Metro June ODOT Updated VISSIM Protocol – Expanded to Include Arterials and for Statewide Use October ODOT Developed VISSIM Protocol for Freeways First Project Submittal Using VISSIM Since Adoption of Updated VISSIM Protocol - Sketch level analysis for I-5 Rose Quarter Project - Corridors Bottleneck Operations Study Use of VISSIM Increased - CRC - Airport Way Interchange - Sunrise - OR43 Streetcar - Milwaukie Light-Rail - Operational Corridors - Beltline Hwy Ramp Meter Study

4 Development Process in Updated Protocol  Review lessons learned

5 Lessons Learned from First Protocol  More detail on the process of developing VISSIM projects  Is VISSIM the right tool?  Project scoping details  Check-in points  Wanted to develop something that was consistent with FHWA guidelines  ODOT could benefit from protocols specific to arterials and for statewide use

6 Development Process in Updated Protocol  Review lessons learned  Interview other government agencies

7 Lessons Learned about VISSIM  Don’t work in parallel  Review process should include as many check-in points as possible  Software is always evolving and consultants are learning VISSIM along with agencies  VISSIM has vast capabilities, however, budget and schedule are often the contraint

8 Development Process in Updated Protocol  Review lessons learned  Interview other agencies  Researched for similar documents

9 Development Process in Updated Protocol  Review lessons learned  Interview other agencies  Researched for similar documents  Researched FHWA’s guidelines

10 Objective of Protocol  Use VISSIM at the right time for the right projects  Clear understanding of the project between agency and consultant from the beginning of the project  Minimizing a project from evolving throughout the development  Minimize back and forth

11 Development Process in Updated Protocol  Review lessons learned  Interview other agencies  Researched for similar documents  Researched FHWA’s guidelines  One-day brainstorming session

12 VISSIM Project Development One-day brainstorming session led to concept of VISSIM project development process

13 Putting Together the Updated Protocol  Developed outline – 10 chapters  Chapter by chapter review  Full draft review  Final submittal of protocol  All-day training on VISSIM and use of protocol

14 Note  VISSIM protocol is not aimed at being a training document  Intended to be a Guidance document to help ODOT develop successful VISSIM projects

15 Ch 1 - Project Understanding  Stimulates thoughts and understanding on project between ODOT and consultants up-front  Gives ODOT the means to help determine the appropriate analysis tools for projects  Smooths process for both ODOT and consultant  The result of this chapter is the Project Problem Statement

16 Ch 2 – Project Scoping The result of this chapter is the development of the Project Methods and Assumptions document which outlines:  Project Boundary/Study Period  Analysis Tools Being Used  Scheduling/Staffing Plan  Data Collection Plan  Calibration Targets  Measures of Effectiveness

17 Ch 3 - Data Collection  What data is needed and how it should be collected?  Data check-in points were added based on previous experience of lack of providing it soon enough  Provides an idea of essential data and project specific additional recommended data

18 Project Specific Data Collection  Streetcar Project (arterial) –  Detailed Transit Data  Detailed Bike and Pedestrian Data  Signal Timing Data  Freeway Model –  Spot Speed Data  Ramp Meter Rates  Bottleneck Locations

19 Ch 4 - Model Development  Develop standards for overall model development  Allow for modeler the ability to deviate from the guidelines (need to document deviations)  More detailed standards for ramp meters  More detailed standards for roundabouts  Standards for vehicle fleet setup (AASHTO standard vehicles)  Provide a better understanding of conflict points vs. priority rules

20 Model Development CHECK-IN POINTS! Identify problems before too far into the project:  Geometry  Volumes  Control Coding  Data Collection Points

21 Ch 5 - Error Correction  Checklist to help modeler  Review animation  Error files

22 Ch 6 - Calibration  Essential calibration and project specific calibration parameters to use  Calibration targets outlined in the beginning of the project and those targets are fixed!  Minimum number of simulation runs formula  Deliverables:  Base calibrated model  Calibrated Methodology and Results Report

23 Ch 7 - Additional Base Year Scenarios  Additional base year model with different time period can be developed at this time  Ensure that work is not done in parallel

24 Ch 8 - Alternatives Specifies the following order of work delivery:  Future No-Build traffic volumes  Future No-Build model with corresponding documentation  Future Build scenarios traffic volumes  Future Build models with corresponding documentation

25 VISSIM Project Development

26 Ch 9 - Reporting  Guidance of what both ODOT and consultant are expected to do with model output data  Post processing details and examples  Guidelines to help both consultant and ODOT where needed:  95th Percentile Queue  V/C Ratio – not typical output from VISSIM  Emission  Delay and HCM compliance  Sample Report Format

27 Ch 10 - Reviewing  How do we minimize the back and forth?  ODOT wanted a check-list  Helps consultant know what will be reviewed and how it will be reviewed  Helps ODOT know what to look for  Helps both have an understanding of level of effort and time frame that will be needed

28 VISSIM Protocol  ODOT Analysis Procedures Manual Addendum C  Consistent with FHWA’s Traffic Analysis Toolbox Manuals  Provides ODOT expectations, guidelines, and requirements when considering use of VISSIM as an analysis tool  Shall be followed on all VISSIM analysis for ODOT studies and projects

29 Resources for VISSIM Model Development  Metro DTA Model  Traffic Simulation Roundtable  INRIX Data

30 INRIX Data  Another source of data for VISSIM calibration  ODOT purchased Data  Can be shared with other public agencies  Available to consultants for work on ODOT projects  Data is very rich inside Metro area  ODOT looking into purchasing more data and the Analytics Suite

31 Questions and Feedback?