Network Optimisation
The manage – network optimisation session will include:
- A case study on the quantum of disruption cost generated by the construction process such as noise, traffic detours, traffic slowdowns, substitution buses, and loss of revenue to adjacent businesses.
- A comparison of the M4 and M1 North Smart Motorway projects in Sydney to identify when ramp meters will be beneficial or not, including the strengths and weaknesses of ramp meters, selection of ramp metering for the M4SM, why ramp meters were not recommended for the M1NSM, challenges, issues and next steps.
- Three best practice intelligent transport systems (ITS) solutions that have contributed to more reliable and safe journeys, including review of data on the hazards of traffic, traffic delays, road trauma, economic growth and deriving the impact to mobility.
- The objectives of Signal Network Optimisation as part of the Victorian government's Smarter Roads program, with a comprehensive explanation of the optimisation process for an arterial road.
Session Outline
- Session Chair - Paul Bennett, NTRO
- Lulu Zeng, BDO - Monetising construction phase impact of large transport project
- Mark O'Brien, O'Brien Traffic - Motorway Management: Is Ramp Metering Always Part of the Answer?
- Azadeh Emami, Department of Transport and Planning VIC - Optimising Traffic Signals in Melbourne to improve the Efficiency, Safety, and Amenity of the Road Network
- Quddus Wazirzada, Principal Smart Sustainable Solutions - Travel Reliability and Safety
Lulu Zeng, BDO - Monetising construction phase impact of large transport project
Lulu Zeng
BDO - Director
Lulu is an infrastructure economist with 13 years experience as a consultant. She is currently a Director at BDO. Lulu specialises in developing innovative economic techniques to inform evidenced based decision making. Her key areas of expertise cover transport, ESG and social infrastructure.
Monetising construction phase impact of large transport projects
A case study to discuss the likely quantum of the typically omitted disruption cost generated by the construction process such as noise, traffic detours and slowdowns, substitution buses, and loss of revenue to adjacent businesses.
Mark O'Brien, O'Brien Traffic - Motorway Management: Is Ramp Metering Always Part of the Answer?
Mark O'Brien
O'Brien Traffic - Senior Associate
Mark is a Senior Associate at O’Brien Traffic with extensive experience in the simulation modelling of SCATS Ramp Metering System implementations for Auckland and Sydney motorways since 2005. He has also participated in many of the related functional design and field implementation tasks on these projects.
Motorway Management: Is Ramp Metering Always Part of the Answer?
Ramp metering to control entry flows is a key part of the managed motorway toolkit, but is not appropriate in all situations. A comparison of the M4 and M1 North Smart Motorway projects in Sydney can help transport professionals identify when ramp meters will be beneficial to maximise operational efficiency (and safety) and when their use would be problematic. This presentation will describe: (1) the strengths and weaknesses of ramp meters in general; (2) why ramp metering was chosen for the M4SM, how challenges were addressed and what issues remain; and (3) why ramp meters were not recommended for the M1NSM, the many challenges of the corridor, some interesting treatment options considered and possible next steps.
Azadeh Emami, Department of Transport and Planning VIC - Optimising Traffic Signals in Melbourne to improve the Efficiency, Safety, and Amenity of the Road Network
Dr Azadeh Emami
Department of Transport and Planning VIC - Signals Engineer
Dr Azadeh Emami, a signals engineer at DTP, completed her PhD in transport engineering at the Unimelb. She focused on optimizing signals in the presence of connected vehicles. Presently contributing to the SNO program at Vicroads, optimizing traffic signals in for safe and efficient transportation.
Optimising Traffic Signals in Melbourne to improve the Efficiency, Safety, and Amenity of the Road Network
The Victorian Government's Smarter Roads program, with a $340 million budget, is improving traffic management in Melbourne's west, east, and southeast regions. Smarter Roads is improving the way the Department of Transport manages the arterial road network, with the aim of improving throughput and travel time reliability. The program includes the Signal Network Optimisation (SNO) component, which aims to review metropolitan signal sites every four years. The goal of the SNO program is to enhance the safety and efficiency of the network while optimizing the utilization of existing infrastructure. The presentation offers a summary of the objectives of the SNO program, and subsequently, a comprehensive explanation of the SNO process concerning an arterial road.
Quddus Wazirzada, Principal Smart Sustainable Solutions - Travel Reliability and Safety
Quddus Wazirzada
Principal Smart Sustainable Solutions
Travel Reliability and Safety
Mobility facilitates economic welfare and wellbeing. Increased traffic delays, congestion and road trauma accompany economic growth and development. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) employ electronics, computer and ICT technologies to deliver mobility solutions sustainably by increasing road capacity, reducing congestion, improving safety and reducing the environmental footprint of traffic at a much lower cost than, for example, adding more lanes. This paper presents three best practice ITS solutions that have contributed to more reliable and safe journeys. The economic analysis shows significant reduction in fatalities and injuries leading to a high BCR. Recommendations are made for further improvement for each case study.
