CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL: A FRAMEWORK OF DYNAMIC MICROSIMULATION MODELLING FOR TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Abstract

This thesis develops a dynamic microsimulation modelling framework for traffic impact assessment during the renewal of a critical infrastructure in Halifax transportation network. The complexity of the construction project poses considerable risks of disruption to the regular traffic operation. The uniqueness of this study is that it develops a sequential modelling framework combining risk assessment with traffic microsimulation. Furthermore, the existing practice of traffic microsimulation is improved by incorporating departure time (DT) choice model within microsimulation model. Two models were implemented; (1) a model without the DT component, and (2) a model with the DT component. The results of model 2 exhibit significant increase in traffic delays in the network. However, local traffic condition at key intersections improves if drivers’ departure time adjustment is accounted within traffic microsimulation. Such inclusion of the DT model is of paramount importance for developing risk management strategies in the case of large-scale infrastructure project.