Transporte de Zacatecas

Scope - Methodology - Simulation Testing - Schedule

Scope

    Downtown Zacatecas was chosen as the design area for the simulation due to the extremes in traffic condition.  At the longest spot, the area is approximately 2 kilometers long and at the widest spot 1.5 kilometers wide.  Data collection will be done by students attending Zacatecas University.  Availability and time of those students involved with the simulation will be a major constraint for this project.  Students will be available to count vehicle movements at only major intersections throughout the designated areas. Due to the population density of the area, only major arterial and some minor arterial streets will be considered; the time required for counting and modeling will not permit complete analysis.  However, counting at the major intersections will account for all vehicles turning into and from side streets.  It is anticipated that traffic counts will be performed prior to the trip to Zacatecas, allowing the time spent at the University to teach and overview the simulation.  Simulation of the downtown area will show pockets of traffic congestion which may be able to be improved and changed; these concepts will be brought before government officials for final decision on implementation of changes.

Methodology

    Using a screen shot map of the downtown area as a background, the roadways and system can be drawn to scale into Synchro.  Depending on the clarity of the satellite shot, the direction and size of the roadway will be determined and entered into Synchro, if the satellite is unavailable then visual confirmation from the students in Zacatecas will be required.  As traffic counts become available they too will be placed according to turning and through movements at major intersections.  Other considerations for data input will be pedestrians, bicycles, parking maneuvers and buses.  At the accumulation of all the information available, the simulation will be run at current conditions in order to assess if the model is actually simulating the current conditions viewed or perceived by the people of Zacatecas.  After confirmation of the current conditions, changes may be introduced which will change the simulation and ultimately reduce congestion in and around the downtown area.  At minimum, however, is the anticipation that lost time will be reduced by the ability to increase flow by reducing driver error due to confusion or impatience.

Simulation Testing

Current Conditions

    Current conditions are traffic conditions existing on a daily basis.  Sporting events or holidays may create larger or more congestion, but will not be considered during this simulation.  Conditions will be considered for the peak hours such that the daily traffic may be improved.

Improvements and System Changes

    Depending on the characteristics of the road network, optimization of timing may be possible if such a large enough system exists.  Controlled signal timing optimization may be used as well as the use of signage and other traffic control measures.  Changes to the system may include the implementation of roundabouts or traffic circles, lane channelization, implementation of one way roads, or other driver behavior changes

Statistical Analyses

    A statistical analysis can be run to show the effectiveness of improvements to the system.  For any given simulation it is possible to see remarkable changes through the implementation of two different ideas; however, only one alternative is possible to implement. A statistical analysis will show which alternative is most beneficial for implementation considering MOE’s, cost of improvement, and overall improvement to the system.

Schedule

For a complete copy of the project report click here