Application of Traffic Simulation Modeling for Improved Preparedness Planning

In the event of a disaster, emergency preparedness is necessary to ensure transportation system efficiency, safety, and security. Emergency scenario development and evaluation is needed to understand problem magnitude and develop effective emergency preparedness plans. The author discusses a project where Birmingham, Alabama-area emergency response scenarios were developed and tested. Major area traffic corridors were modeled into a regional transportation network using CORSIM traffic simulation software. The regional network model was then used in the testing and evaluation of natural or human-caused disaster emergency management strategies. Appropriate measures of effectiveness (MOEs) for preparedness and response were selected to support the region-wide and/or corridor level assessment process. MOEs formed the basis of candidate response action comparison and evaluation and best practices and need recommendations were developed. The article showcases microscopic traffic simulation utility for regional emergency preparedness and highlights large scale microscopic simulation model development opportunities and challenges. Public safety agencies and regional transportation officials can use study findings to implement effective traffic management strategies if a regional emergency actually occurs.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07339488
• Authors:
  • Sisiopiku, Virginia P
• Publication Date: 2007-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 51-60
• Serial:
  • Journal of Urban Planning and Development
  • Volume: 133
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9488
  • EISSN: 1943-5444
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jupddm

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Disaster preparedness; Disasters and emergency operations; Emergency management; Forecasting; Highway corridors; Highway traffic control; Mathematical models; Measures of effectiveness; Microscopic traffic flow; Microsimulation; Regional transportation; Simulation; Traffic models; Traffic simulation
• Identifier Terms: CORSIM (Traffic simulation model)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Emergency response; Regional networks
• Geographic Terms: Birmingham (Alabama)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01045355
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 28 2007 3:24PM