The MnDOT Metro District The MnDOT Metro District Microsimulation ExperienceMicrosimulation Experience

Kevin Sommers, PEKevin Sommers, PEMinnesota Department of TransportationMinnesota Department of Transportation

Kevin.Sommers@DOT.state.mn.usKevin.Sommers@DOT.state.mn.us651-234-7844651-234-7844

In the Beginning….In the Beginning….

Models were developed according to user Models were developed according to user preferences.preferences.

Several items considered optional including Several items considered optional including model calibration.model calibration.

Typical model was 1 time period of 60 Typical model was 1 time period of 60 minutes without origin-destination data.minutes without origin-destination data.

Reported values based on a single run of Reported values based on a single run of model.model.

CORSIM Training ManualCORSIM Training Manual Developed By Mn/DOT & Developed By Mn/DOT &

FHWA to:FHWA to: Clarify modeling Clarify modeling

process.process. Produce reusable Produce reusable

and verifiable and verifiable products.products.

Meet Federal Meet Federal operational analysis operational analysis requirements for requirements for the Interstate the Interstate Access Request.Access Request.

CORSIM Training ManualCORSIM Training Manual Lists 21 items to be Lists 21 items to be

followed on all modeling followed on all modeling projects.projects.

Categories:Categories: Model Model

RequirementsRequirements Data RequirementsData Requirements Calibration Calibration

RequirementsRequirements Quality Control Quality Control

RequirementsRequirements

CORSIM Training ManualCORSIM Training Manual Lists 11 required Lists 11 required

deliverables.deliverables.

The most critical are:The most critical are: Link-Node Link-Node

Diagrams.Diagrams. Lane Schematics.Lane Schematics. QA/QC Sheets.QA/QC Sheets. O-D Matrixes.O-D Matrixes. Balanced Traffic Balanced Traffic

Demand Dataset.Demand Dataset. MOE Tables.MOE Tables.

The Freeway Lane SchematicThe Freeway Lane Schematic

Graphical representation of freeway made modeling Graphical representation of freeway made modeling results easier to understand.results easier to understand.

Color is used to highlight congested sections.Color is used to highlight congested sections.

Design SelectionDesign Selection Typically several designs developed for a Typically several designs developed for a

freeway corridor.freeway corridor. 2, 3, or 4 design options are tested using 2, 3, or 4 design options are tested using

microsimulation to determine best option.microsimulation to determine best option.

Design OptionsDesign Options TH 610 at I-94TH 610 at I-94

Partial Build vs. Full BuildPartial Build vs. Full Build TH 169 at I-494TH 169 at I-494

Ring Road System (3 designs)Ring Road System (3 designs)

Design SelectionDesign Selection Interchange TypeInterchange Type

I-494 at Lyndale Ave.I-494 at Lyndale Ave. Single Point vs. Tight DiamondSingle Point vs. Tight Diamond

Traffic ControlTraffic Control TH 610 at Zachary LaneTH 610 at Zachary Lane

Signals vs. RoundaboutsSignals vs. Roundabouts

Collector-Distributor RoadsCollector-Distributor Roads I-35E at CSAH 14I-35E at CSAH 14

Connect SB entry ramps to CD Road or InterstateConnect SB entry ramps to CD Road or Interstate

Tweaking the DesignTweaking the Design Sometimes the accepted design needs a little Sometimes the accepted design needs a little

help.help.

Auxiliary LanesAuxiliary Lanes I-35 at CSAH 70 I-35 at CSAH 70

Auxiliary Lane Between CSAH 70 and CSAH 60Auxiliary Lane Between CSAH 70 and CSAH 60

Turn BaysTurn Bays TH 62 at I-494 TH 62 at I-494

Dual Left vs. Triple LeftDual Left vs. Triple Left

Freeways Modeled To DateFreeways Modeled To Date 210 miles of freeway 210 miles of freeway

modeled including:modeled including: 40 miles of I-35W40 miles of I-35W 31 miles of I-49431 miles of I-494 28 miles of I-9428 miles of I-94 16 miles of I-69416 miles of I-694 14 miles of I-35E14 miles of I-35E 10 miles of I-3510 miles of I-35 10 miles of I-39410 miles of I-394

Modeling WebsiteModeling Website

Advanced CORSIM ManualAdvanced CORSIM Manual Freeway Modeling Workshop PresentationsFreeway Modeling Workshop Presentations Modeling Resource MaterialsModeling Resource Materials FHWA Traffic Analysis Toolbox FHWA Traffic Analysis Toolbox Link to MnDOT Data Extraction ToolsLink to MnDOT Data Extraction Tools Link to MnDOT Turning Movement InformationLink to MnDOT Turning Movement Information

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/modeling/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/modeling/index.html

Thank YouThank You