In the City of Dublin, Ohio, explosive growth in population, employment and land use over the past two decades has placed increasing demands on roadways. The City selected Burgess & Niple (B&N) to provide a detailed analysis of plans that impact the roadway system.
The centerpiece of this analysis was a Citywide Microsimulation Traffic Model – a groundbreaking tool that covers a vast geographic area while providing up-close detail of the entire roadway network. The model can be used to analyze potential transportation and development changes before committing time and funds for implementation.
Often created for subsets of a region, the model B&N traffic engineers developed is one of the largest validated microsimulation traffic models in the United States. At 36 square miles, the model encompasses Dublin’s corporate boundaries and includes:
- Two freeway systems
- Seven freeway interchanges
- More than 300 arterial intersections (85 signalized)
- Five multilane roundabouts
- More than 60,000 peak-hour trips
This sophisticated and flexible tool provides valuable information about how both small and large changes can impact the entire transportation system. It is a dynamic model that details individual vehicle movements.
B&N developed the microsimulation traffic model by integrating multiple software programs. Data from a variety of sources was used to validate the information. A Travel Demand Model that B&N developed while assisting the City with the update to their Transportation Master Plan was seamlessly integrated with the microsimulation traffic model.
The technologically advanced model can help the City make decisions that are in the best interest of those who live and work in Dublin, aid in the wise investment of resources, enhance safety, and continue to provide first class infrastructure for the community.