Product No.: 10072A
Date Published: 09/2012
If you would like to request a printed copy (or copies) of this product, please call DVRPC at 215-592-1800 or email the staff contact listed below. If you would like to request this publication or portion of this publication in another language or format, please fill out a request form.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) commissioned the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to construct a powerful computer model capable of simulating, visualizing, and assessing traffic conditions along the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) to use as a practical research tool. The tool can be used to determine the effects of growth, predict outcomes of changes to the Expressway’s infrastructure, judge the merits of competing designs, develop supporting maintenance and protection of traffic plans, and develop congestion management plans for improvement projects. The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) Operational Research Model is a mixed-traffic operations and planning tool with application for the Schuylkill Expressway proper. DVRPC prepared the operational model for the Schuylkill Expressway’s mainline and interchange ramps between the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Valley Forge and the Walt Whitman Bridge--a distance of approximately 23 miles. Thirty-six (36) key intersections, at/near ramp touchdown points, that impact or may impact mainline operations were modeled in the networks. Staff used the integrated transportation modeling suite of VISUM and VISSIM to prepare the linked regional travel forecasting and dynamic traffic modeling tool. The project models produced a wealth of information for transportation planning and decision-making purposes and required a wealth of information to construct and calibrate for use. In turn, this USER’S GUIDE was prepared to inventory, organize, and document the various models, data files, applications, and reports delivered through the project so that subsequent users may understand and use the models as developed. At the conclusion of the project, PennDOT directed that the modeling tools be made available to member agencies for local applications, and that DVRPC be responsible for administering their use. All data files and models produced through the project have been supplied to PennDOT in electronic format. All data files and models produced through the project are being maintained and will be updated by DVRPC. It is assumed that the reader has proficiency in these matters and models. More information on the overall project, the results of the modeling steps, and applications of the models is provided in a companion document entitled: SCHUYLKILL EXPRESSWAY (I-76) OPERATIONAL RESEARCH MODEL – FINAL REPORT (DVRPC Publication Number 10072).Geographic Area Covered: the City of Philadelphia; and Lower Merion Township, the Borough of West Conshohocken, the Borough of Conshohocken, and Upper Merion Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Key Words: Transportation Modeling, Regional Travel Demand Forecasting, Traffic Operations Modeling, VISUM, VISSIM, Performance Measures, Traffic Volume, Mean Spot Speed, Average Operating Speed, Travel Time
Staff Contact(s)
- Keith Hartington (khartington@dvrpc.org)
Translation Request
DVRPC’s publications or portions of publications can be translated in alternative languages and formats if requested. To request translation, please submit the form below. You can also contact DVRPC’s Office of Communications & Engagement at 215-592-1800 or public_affairs@dvrpc.org.
Title VI Statement
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice, and related nondiscrimination mandates in all programs and activities. DVRPC's website, www.dvrpc.org, may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can usually be made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. DVRPC’s public meetings are always held in ADA-accessible facilities, and held in transit-accessible locations whenever possible. Translation, interpretation, or other auxiliary services can be provided to individuals who submit a request at least seven days prior to a public meeting. Translation and interpretation services for DVRPC’s projects, products, and planning processes are available, generally free of charge, by calling (215) 592-1800. All requests will be accommodated to the greatest extent possible.
Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice by DVRPC under Title VI and/or ADA has a right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint must be in writing and filed with DVRPC's Title VI Compliance Manager, Alison Hastings, and/or the appropriate state or federal agency within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory occurrence. For more information on DVRPC's Title VI program or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, please visit: www.dvrpc.org/GetInvolved/TitleVI, call (215) 592-1800, or email public_affairs@dvrpc.org.