Top 5 Considerations for Seamless Traffic Management

Traffic congestions on a daily basis cause bottlenecks, endless delays, and loss of productivity. In fact, the cumulative losses because of traffic delays are quite staggering. A report by ‘Infrastructure Australia’ reveals that traffic congestion is likely to cost Australia approximately $53 billion by 2031. This is why state authorities and traffic engineering companies in Melbourne and other major Australian cities, therefore, are putting their best foot forward to minimize traffic congestion. In this blog post, we have listed five major considerations for traffic engineers to manage traffic more efficiently in various cities.

1. Traffic Impact Assessments

Traffic engineers use Traffic Impact Assessments or TIAs to evaluate traffic that is generated by increased use of new and existing access paths. A TIA typically comprises a detailed analysis including the scope and impact of proposed projects, and requirements of mitigation measures.

A well-prepared TIA report helps developers and agencies predict the traffic impacts because of anticipated development activities. It also helps determining improvements required to accommodate the proposed developments. Other benefits of TIA include more efficient fund allocation, prudent land use decisions, traffic data (projections) updates, evaluation of the access points, and identification of required roadway improvements.

2. Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) Studies

Companies that offer traffic solutions in Australia have been conducting Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) studies in areas within the municipality with the objectives of managing road traffic and improve safety for residents and visitors. This study comprises an extensive community consultation process; engaging the local community in identifying parking and traffic issues. LATM is also known as “Traffic Calming” that has actively contributed to improving the safety, livability, and amenity of local areas in various Australian cities for decades.

3. Signal Retiming

Signal Retiming is a process that optimizes the operation of signalized intersections through several low-cost improvements. It is one of the most economical ways to improve traffic flow along a corridor. Traffic Signal Retiming can significantly minimize delays and stops that motorists experience at various intersections. It, therefore, helps to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and improve safety. In the case of signal retiming, the benefit to cost ratio can be as high as 40:1.

4. Traffic Intersection Analysis

Traffic engineers understand the significance of traffic intersection analysis in order to make cities free of traffic congestion. Traffic Intersection Analysis is about assessing the impact of new trails, bikeways, traffic signals, and pedestrian features. Traffic Engineers in Melbourne use high-end modelling and simulation software to make accurate forecasts on how these changes affect heavy vehicle turning, queuing at road intersections. They also know how to resolve such complex issues surrounding the installation of bicycle and pedestrian amenities.

5. Parking Sensors

Survey findings show that a lack of parking space intensifies traffic congestion. Parking or proximity sensors for vehicles are designed to alert the driver about obstacles while parking. Parking sensors have ultrasonic proximity detectors that can measure the distances to nearby objects through sensors placed in the front or rear bumper. Linking of these smart sensors with traffic management systems is helpful for drivers as they are guided to vacant parking spots.

Conclusion

All of these considerations mentioned in this blog post are an integral part of formulating traffic management strategies and their flawless implementation. Traffic engineers in Melbourne or other cities in Australia are providing consulting services in a cost-effective and timely manner to resolve the grave concern related to road congestions. Feel free to contact our consultants for all your traffic engineering needs.