Aim
The aim of the course is to train the course participants to independently synthesise knowledge obtained from the previously undertaken in-depth road and/or traffic courses and apply this to practical planning. The aim is also to give an introduction to traffic simulation, both regarding underlying theory as well as their applications in setting up a model adapted for actual needs.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• relate own planning goals to national and local goals for transport planning.

• identify and analyse problems and effects related to accessibility, level of service, safety, environment, choice of materials and their interconnection.

• value for what kind of problem simulation is an appropriate tool

• value which are the most important input variables for simulation models, depending on the areas of application

• judge what output data are relevant to study for different areas of application, and analyse output data

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• independently collect and critically evaluate the relevance of material from varying sources for a road and traffic engineering investigation

• design a traffic infrastructure that meets the needs of all the traffic modes and takes into account the transport policy objectives and lifecycle demands

• plan and conduct a traffic simulation study for a limited area

• evaluate the traffic and road engineering effects of traffic infrastructure

• synthesise acquired knowledge in report form and and design a poster and give an oral presentation aimed at decision makers

Contents
The students will carry out a traffic planning and design project in a complex urban renewal area. The groups, as far as possible, should contain traffic planners well as road construction engineers, a maximum of three students in each group. The project comprises six main elements (Description of current situation, goal specification, problem inventory, suggested solutions, effect assessment, evaluation plan). The course also includes fieldwork (inventory of planning area), study trips to the Town Building Office and workshops/run-through. All of these are obligatory. Each phase contains an element of theory, usually in the form of lectures, collective run-through under supervision, and own work with an assistant available .

The traffic simulation part includes introduction to, and theoretical background of, different types of models (approaches, principles, scopes). Most of the focus is put on models for the microscopic level. The course also deals with frequent applications, essential differences between applied theories and limits of the different models as well as handling stochasticity and uncertainty in simulation models. Students should practice all parts in a traffic simulation project preparing their assignment with one of the most commonly applied software (Vissim). The project will include data collection and preparation, coding different types of junctions in Vissim, calibration, validation, analysis of software output and comparison between alternatives and presenting results.

Learning is performed in various teaching assignment forms (lectures, group assignments, computer assignments and field studies). Examination is done by oral and written presentation.

Literature
Elvik, R., Vaa, T. (2004) The Handbook of Road Safety Measures. Elsevier.
Hydén, C. ed. (2008) Trafiken i den hållbara staden. Studentlitteratur, Malmö, Sweden.
Selected parts of VGU, ATB Väg, TRAST and Effektkatalog (in Swedish).
A course library is available during the course.

Code: 0111. Name: Project Work.
Higher education credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written and oral presentation of project work.

Code: 0211. Name: Traffic Simulation.
Higher education credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written and oral presentation of project work.