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USER MANUAL
Structure
PTV VISTRO
USER MANUAL
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2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 14
3 Installation ................................................................................................................. 17
18 Index......................................................................................................................... 210
2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 14
2.1 Software Overview ........................................................................................ 14
2.2 Program Documentation ............................................................................... 15
2.3 Network and Other Limits .............................................................................. 15
3 Installation ................................................................................................................. 17
3.1 How to install ................................................................................................. 17
3.2 System Requirements ................................................................................... 21
6. Define the intersection geometry by using the Intersection Setup workflow table .
7. Enter traffic volume data and adjustments using the Volumes workflow table .
2. Create and evaluate mitigation options using the Mitigation workflow table .
3. Report mitigation options using the Print Report buttons in the Mitigation table.
2. Define Optimization Routes using the Routes tool from the Toolbox .
3. Create the Zone and Gate structure using Zone and Gate tools from the Toolbox.
6. Define Paths between Zone and Gate pairs using Path tool from the Toolbox (tip:
shortest path between each zone and gate can be automatically created by clicking the
Add Missing Paths button in the Trip Assignment workflow table).
7. Enter trip assignment volume share percentages for each Zone – Gate pair in the Trip
Assignment workflow table (tip: clicking on a row in this workflow table will display
the path graphically in the network window).
8. Repeat this for additional Future Development scenario analysis.
9. Mitigate future development conditions, as required.
10. Generate your Future Development Conditions Report (File > Print Report).
2 Introduction
Evaluate Need for a New Traffic Signal through the built-in MUTCD Signal Warrants
Analysis
Network size:
400 zones (zones and gates)
2,500 nodes
6,000 links
Intersection approaches:
up to 8 legs
Signals:
up to 4 rings and 8 barriers
Mitigations:
up to 99 options per intersection
Scenarios:
unlimited
3 Installation
Installation:
1. Insert the Vistro Installation DVD or select the SETUP*.exe downloaded from the
customer download site.
If the DVD does not start automatically, use Windows Explorer to open the DVD
directory. Click on the SETUP*.EXE program to begin the installation. Depending on your
license, use the SETUP with either WIN32 or X64 in the file name.
If prompted, select Run or Yes.
6. You can choose between Standard installation, Full installation and Compact
installation.
Additional Data: includes symbols free for use with your Vistro projects (e.g. US state
symbols).
Examples: installs various sample Vistro networks and examples.
Documentation: contains all the software documentation, including the user manual
and release notes.
9. Specify if you want to add shortcuts to Vistro to the Windows Start menu, to the quick
launch bar and/or to the desktop.
11. You should see the following dialog at the completion of the installation.
You must have administrator privileges when installing Vistro. If you are unsure of your
user level, check the User Accounts under Control Panel or contact your
administrator.
The minimum screen resolution to run Vistro is 1280 x 800, the recommended screen
resolution is 1600 x 1200 or 1920 x 1080.
Hardware Requirements
Processor: min. Pentium IV; recommended: Core I or better
4 Getting Started
The graphical user interface of the program will then appear after loading.
Details about working with the Vistro interface are described in Chapter 5 Moving
Around Inside Vistro on page 26.
Vistro 1 and *.vistropdb In Vistro 1 and Vistro 2: Vistro project file that contains multiple
Vistro 2 scenarios
Project
When new networks are created, Vistro saves a Network file with the .vistro extension. This
file contains all the data necessary to perform an analysis is contained within this model file
including the network, geometry, volume, intersection control, signal timing, trip
generation/distribution, paths, and mitigation alternatives.
When scenarios are created and managed, Vistro creates a Project file. When it is saved, it
is zipped to one file with the extension *.vistro (note: in Vistro 1 and Vistro 2 projects were
saved with the .vistropdb extension). When a Vistro file is opened, this file containing the
scenario project directory structure is unzipped in a temporary local directory and the project
is opened there. User-defined scenarios are described in Chapter 13 Scenario Management
on page 146.
There are several files external to the .vistro file that may be used when working with Vistro.
These include background images and any associated image scaling files. Background
images may also be loaded via an online connection to Bing™ Maps. Further details
regarding background images can be found in Chapter Background Images on page 38.
Reports generated from Vistro analysis are output to pdf, html and csv format. Further details
regarding Vistro reports can be found in Chapter 12 Report on page 128.
Vistro also interfaces with other file formats to import and export data, including PTV
software and 3rd party software.
PTV software file formats include:
Visum (*.ver)
Further details on importing and exporting data can be found in Chapter 14 Import/Export on
page 150.
HCM 2010/2000
ICU
Circular 212
Kimber
Trip Generation
Trip Distribution
Trip Assignment
MUTCD 2009
(1) HEADER Shows the Program Title, Version, Service Pack number, and Network Filename; for
demo versions, “Demo” is added to the version number.
(2) MENU BAR Contains drop-down menus, undo/redo shortcuts, scenario selector, intersection selector
and the Vissim previewer.
(4) NETWORK Displays the currently opened network, including the background map / image and
W INDOW representation of the roadway geometry. In this window, you can build and edit the
network structure graphically, using the items from the Toolbar, as described in Chapter
7 Network on page 36. You can also move and adjust the display using the zoom and
windowing tools.
(5) DATA W INDOW In this window, data is shown for the relevant task button selected. This will reflect
associated data tables and functions specific to each task. Selection of a workflow Task
Button results in the display of the related workflow table in the Data Window.
(7) W ORKFLOW Contains the tabs for data entry and analysis for various stages of the project workflow.
PANEL
(8) GRAPHICS Contains various graphical displays for the network window.
SELECTOR
New Initialize system (close network file without saving data, create new Vistro network).
Save As Save network to selected path & file name. If a different path is chosen, the referenced
files required by the network need to be copied manually to the new folder.
Print Report Opens print report dialogue window (see Chapter 12 Report on page 128 for details).
Import Read Synchro® data from file, load Abstract Network Model data from Vissim, or load
Visum *.VER file (see Chapter 14 Import/Export on page 150 for details).
Export Export data to Visum or to ANM (see Chapter 14 Import/Export on page 150 for details).
Undo Undo functionality for construction element Editing: Undoes the previous action.
Redo functionality for construction element editing: Redoes the previously undone
Redo
action.
Set global parameters for various inputs. Values entered here will be applied to all new
Global Settings
intersections created. (see Chapter 6 Global Settings on page 34 for details).
View Workspace Viewing Options
Provides overview about the number of network elements (intersections, links, zones,
Network Statistics
gates, paths and routes) and network size.
Switch Table
Re-positions workflow task table horizontally or vertically, depending on current view.
Position
Creates default traffic signal phasing for signalized intersections, with options for
Default Signalization
leading or lagging left turns.
Opens Network Optimization window. Allows for selection of Genetic or Hill Climbing
Network Optimization
algorithms, and various parameters specific to each.
Opens Local Optimization window. Allows for parameter entries related to local
Local Optimization
optimization.
Preview in Vissim Opens the network in a Vissim Previewer, starts visualization automatically.
Export to Vissim Export Network and Signal Control data to an ANM file that can be imported into Vissim
(ANM) for full simulation analysis.
Service Pack
Opens webpage for Vistro service pack downloads.
Download
Shows license information. The Manage Licenses button opens a dialog with detailed
License
information about the available dongles.
About PTV Vistro Shows details of the current software version and license expiration.
Function Description
Undo and Redo Provides quick access to undo or redo previous actions.
Allows you to add and manage scenarios and then toggle between the various
Scenario Selector
scenarios within the file.
Displays the number and name of the currently selected intersection from the network
window. Here, you can select any intersection within the network to make it the
Intersection Selector currently selected intersection for editing either by accessing the drop-down list of
intersections using the arrow on the right side of the dialogue or typing in the number
or name of the intersection to pull up a condensed list that matches the search.
Arrow Keys;
Pan around the network in any
Center mouse button; Pan
direction
CTRL+Left Mouse
5.1.3 Toolbar
The Toolbar contains the objects to build your network:
Icon Name Description
Insert an Intersection into the network. Selecting the most recently used Intersection
Intersection type (default is Signal) or by click the arrow below in order to view and select the
various intersection types, as described below.
Insert intersections into the network that do not require analysis. These are sometimes
Unknown referred to as “dummy” nodes.
Insert a Zone into the network to represent a development location that generates trips
Zones on the network. Zones are not required when conducting analyses that do not include
generated trips.
Insert a Gate into the network at all end-points of the study network. Gates act as a
Gates terminus for the outbound trips from a Zone and a starting point for the inbound trips to
a Zone. Gates are not required when conducting analyses that do not include Zones.
Insert a Path on the network. Paths are user-defined connections linking Zones and
Paths Gates in the Network and are used to assign new trips to the network in conjunction
with other program features (trip generation, trip distribution and trip assignment).
Routes are user-defined connections linking intersections that are used to define
Routes optimization routes. These are used in conjunction with Network Optimization (see
Chapter 10 Signal Optimization on page 101).
Intersection Setup Input data for the intersection number, name, control type, analysis method,
base turning movement volumes, and all geometric and physical data.
Specific details are described in Section 8.1 Intersection Setup (Geometry) on
page 49.
Volumes Input expanded data for turning movement volumes, including adjustment
factors, growth rates, and traffic impact analysis (TIA) demand components.
Details are described in Section 8.2 Volumes on page 61.
Traffic Control Input traffic control information for specific traffic control type and
methodology and view the capacity analysis and results. Details are
described in Section 8.3 Traffic Control on page 56.
Trip Generation Input trip generation characteristics for each Zone including land use and
quantity, trip generation rates, percentage splits ins and outs, and
calculated trips. Details are described in Chapter 9.1 Trip Generation on
page 94.
Trip Distribution Input the trip distribution to and from Zones and Gates. Details are
described in Chapter 9.2 Trip Distribution page 95.
Trip Assignment Allocate path shares for each path created between each Zone and Gate.
Details are described in Chapter 9.3 Trip Assignment page 98.
Network Optimization Define optimization routes, view time-space diagrams, and run network
optimization
Mitigation Evaluate potential mitigation measures and interactively view the resulting
changes to the intersection calculations such as delays, LOS, and
queuing. Details are described in Chapter 11 Mitigation on page 126.
Show Turning Intersection turning movement volumes are displayed. Clicking the arrow
Movements below this button allows the selection of various values for the display, as
described below.
Show Final Base When Show Turning Movements is toggled on and this is selected, the
Volume value “Final Base Volume” will be displayed.
Show In Process When Show Turning Movements is toggled on and this is selected, the
Volumes value “In-Process” will be displayed.
Show Net New When Show Turning Movements is toggled on and this is selected, the
Site Trips value “Net New Site Trips” will be displayed.
Show Other When Show Turning Movements is toggled on and this is selected, the
Volume value “Other Volume” will be displayed.
Show Future Total When Show Turning Movements is toggled on and this is selected, the
Volume value “Future Total Volume” will be displayed.
Show Turn Traffic Traffic conditions by turning movement are displayed. Clicking the arrow
Conditions below this button allows the selection of various traffic condition values, as
described below.
Show Movement When Show Turn Traffic Conditions is toggled on and this is selected, the
LOS value “Movement LOS” will be displayed.
Show Movement When Show Turn Traffic Conditions is toggled on and this is selected, the
Delay value “Movement Delay” will be displayed.
Show Movement When Show Turn Traffic Conditions is toggled on and this is selected, the
v/c value “Movement v/c” will be displayed.
Show Intersection Intersection information is displayed. Clicking the arrow below this button
Info allows the selection of various intersection information, as described below.
Show Intersection When Show Intersection Info is toggled on and this is selected, the value
Number “Intersection Number” is displayed.
Show Intersection When Show Intersection Info is toggled on and this is selected, the value
LOS “Intersection LOS” is displayed. Level of service A, B, C, D, E or F and an
associated color are based on the LOS calculation results.
Show Intersection When Show Intersection Info is toggled on and this is selected, the
Control Type “Intersection Control Type” is displayed by an icon representing signalized,
two-way stop, all-way stop, roundabout, or unknown control.
Show Controller When Show Intersection Info is toggled on and this is selected, the
Number “Controller Number” is displayed.
Show Intersection When Show Intersection Info is toggled on and this is selected, the
Coordination “Intersection Coordination Group” used for signal timing optimization is
Group Number displayed.
Show ICA Check When Show Intersection Info is toggled on and this is selected, either a
green circle with a white check mark will appear to signify that the intersection
coding is sufficient to perform intersection capacity analysis, or a red circle
with a white “x” will appear to signify that the intersection is not coded
sufficiently to perform intersection capacity analysis. A yellow warning symbol
will appear, if the intersection capacity analysis is possible, but some settings
seem to be questionable.
Show Traffic The intersection LOS, average delay and V/C are displayed.
Conditions
Show Unbalanced The comparison of link volumes from the entry of the link to the exit of the link
Flows (determined from the Final Base Volumes for the intersection turning
movements) by direction is displayed.
Show Queue The calculated 95th-Percentile Queue Length is displayed for each approach.
Length
Show Street Name The street name for any approach that has information entered and the
Show Name option checked in the data tables is displayed.
Show Approach The LOS, delay and v/c is shown for each approach.
Traffic Conditions
5.1.6 Functionality
Additional interface functions are shown in the table below:
Function Description
Select Workflow Tab Display the related workflow in the Data Window
Open Open the current table in a new window for flexible viewing and editing
Filter Filter data in the table using this to access drop-down filter criteria
In the Data Window, cells can be selected for editing by mouse-clicking, and editing
Select Cell using either the keyboard or mouse, depending on the type of entry (numeric,
checkbox, etc.).
Within each workflow Task table, the Tab key can be used to quickly position the cursor
Tab
to the next cell in the table for editing.
Copy/paste functionality is available within each cell of the workflow Task table by using
Copy / Paste keystrokes of CTRL+C for copy and CTRL+V for paste, or by right-clicking the cell and
selecting these options.
Many workflow Task tables have cells that can be edited in “Multi Edit” mode by
Multi Edit highlighting cells across a row (partial or full row selection) by clicking and dragging the
mouse and entering a value in the Multi Edit cell that appears.
Right-click on a network object for context menu selections such as Insert, Add,
Context Menu
Delete.
6 Global Settings
You can set certain parameters shown below as the default for new intersections added to
the network. This is done through Edit > Global Settings.
Amber 3s 0-255s
Allred 1s 0-255s
Walk 5s 0-255s
These parameters are described in detail in the relevant sections of the User Manual. Once
these parameters are defined, they will be used as the default value for any new network
object you create. These values can be changed at the local level at any time.
When edits are made to the global settings while in the Base Scenario, the edited values are
applied for all new network objects, whether in the Base Scenario or any other scenario.
When edits are made to the global settings while in a different scenario, the edited values are
applied for all new network objects in that specific scenario until the active scenario is
changed to a different scenario. In any case, edits made in the global settings only apply to
newly created network objects and are not applied retroactively to current objects already
placed in the network at the time of the edit.
7 Network Building
Drawing networks in Vistro is a simple point and click operation like most modern windows
based programs. This section provides a step by step guide to drawing networks in Vistro.
Building your network can be completed in three basic steps:
1. Select your network background
2. Add your intersections
3. Complete your street network
In addition, if you are conducting a TIA, you will also need to complete the following:
4. Add Zones to represent your development sites
5. Add Gates for routing of your development traffic
6. Define Paths for assigning the development traffic to your street network
For signal optimization, you will also add the following:
7. Define Routes for signal timing optimization
Background Images
To select the type of background or to add your own background, select the dropdown menu
for Map Layers in the upper right corner of the Network Window:
Here you can check the option to show the Network, select the Internet Map type, and insert
Background Images.
Only Aerials
To select the display options, go to the Map Layers dialogue, hover over the Internet Map
option, and select the Map Type from the drop-down menu.
In addition, the opacity of the map layer can be adjusted by dragging the opacity slider to the
left (-) or right (+).
Select the display option and then zoom to the study area location in the Network window
with the Bing™ maps background to begin building your network, using the zoom and pan
functions.
Here, you can change the layer order by using the up / down arrows. You can also toggle the
layers on and off or remove your background image from your network using the Trash Can
icon.
In this window, you can also adjust the opacity of each image and the Bing™ Maps imagery
by sliding the Opacity bar to the left (-) and right (+).
2. Activate the desired intersection type if the current symbol is not the desired type.
Intersection types are changed by clicking on the below the current intersection
type icon and clicking on the desired intersection type from the list.
3. Left-click in the network window to place the intersection in the correct location.
4. To insert multiple intersections, hold down the CTRL key as you click in your network.
This keeps the insert intersection active. When you are finished, deactivate the insert
intersection using the ESC key on your keyboard or toggling the Insert Intersection button
off on the toolbar.
To move an intersection, simply left-click and drag the Node Handle to the new desired
position in your network.
To delete an intersection, select the intersection by clicking on the Node Handle. You can
then use the Delete key or right-click and select Delete Intersection from the context menu.
2. While holding the left mouse button, drag and drop the Leg Handle over another the Leg
Handle to connect the two and create a link between them.
If you drag and drop the Leg Handle over a Node Handle, a new leg will be created for
the Node Handle with a link between the Leg Handle and new Leg Handle.
You can adjust your roadway geometry by adding and editing Poly Points on the link
between two connected intersections and on the leg to an isolated / disconnected
intersection. Poly Points are shown as blue squares and you can add or delete as many as
needed.
Delete All Poly Points on Link (this will reset the geometry to a straight link between
the two connected intersections)
To disconnect intersections, hover over the Link to delete, right-click and choose one of the
following options:
Delete Link: this will delete the connection between the two intersections while
retaining the legs independently, including all defined Poly Points.
Hint: You can also delete the Link by using the Delete key on your keyboard.
Delete Link and Legs: this will delete the connection between the two intersections
and the Legs that were connected, removing these as approach legs from each of the
intersections.
paths can be selected in the Trip Assignment workflow table and the selected path is
displayed graphically in the network window.
To add a path, do the following:
Create Reverse Path – create the path using the same nodes and links but in the opposite
travel direction from the selected Path
2. Select Map this Point to Background Position from the context menu.
3. Left-click on the position in the background map where you want that intersection to
move to.
The network is then moved to the new position, correctly maintaining the relative distances in
the network.
Number Unique number of the intersection. Intersections are numbered consecutively, n/a
however the preset number may be overwritten by another number that does
not already exist in the network.
Control Type Intersection control type [Options: Unknown, Signalized, Roundabout, All-way n/a
Stop, Two-way Stop]
Show Name If checked, the text entered in the Name field will be shown in the network n/a
window when the Show Street Names graphics selector is active.
Approach Direction of Approach. Eight approaches possible [NB, SB, EB, WB, NW, NE, n/a
SW, SE]
Lane Configuration Graphical selector and representation of the lane configuration for each n/a
approach described below
Turning Movement Direction of turning movement. When there are more than 4 legs it is possible n/a
to have more than one left or right turn for a particular movement. In this case
the adjacent turn movement will be appended with the number 2. For
example, an approach to 5 other legs may show Left2, Left, Thru, Right,
Right2.
Base Volume Input Base traffic volume input by user. Base volume may be entered in either the Veh/h
intersection setup table or the volume table.
Total Analysis Volume Calculated total analysis volume. The total analysis volume includes all Veh/h
volume adjustments defined and site development trips if present (see
Section 8.2 Volumes on page 61 for a detailed description of volume
parameters).
Here, you will find pre-defined templates and all movement arrows for the approach based
on the total number of approaches at the selected intersection. You can define the lane
configuration in two ways:
Here, you can add or subtract specific movement arrows by hovering over the arrow and
clicking on the green “+” or red “-“buttons. As you change this, you will see the number of
lanes associated with that movement arrow currently defined for the approach.
As you select the desired movement arrows, other movement arrows will become
unavailable if they conflict with the current selection.
The intersection setup table for the signalized control type includes all of the common
parameters (Table 2: Intersection Setup: Common ) listed for the unknown control type, plus
the parameters listed in Table 3: Intersection Setup: Signalized Intersection Setup
Parameters. Table 3 also lists for each parameter if applicable, units, default values, value
ranges, relevant signalized methodology (HCM 2010, HCM 2000, ICU, Circular 212), and
ANM indicator if the parameter is used when exporting to Vissim.
No. of Lanes Defines how many lanes of the approach geometry are pocket x x x x x
in Pocket lanes. A pocket lane is a lane added on the approach of an
intersection. Pocket lanes are most commonly used for turning
movements, but may be used for through movements as well.
The pocket lanes are always defined to either the left or right of
the through movement. For the example case of a two-lane road
with the approach lane geometry of a 1-Left, 2-Thru, 1-Right,
there would be 1 pocket lane defined each for the left and right
lanes. In a more complex example, a two-lane road with the
approach lane geometry of 1-Left, 3-Thru, 1-Right, there would
be 1 pocket lane for the left and 2 pocket lanes to the right.
Default = 0; Range = 0 – [# turn+through lanes – 1]
Channelized A checked box defines a channelized right turn lane (left turn for x
left-hand model) for the approach.
Channelized For a channelized turn lane, defines the control for entering the x
Control mainline traffic.
Options: SC (Signal Control), Stop, Yield, Target Lane (free)
Right Turn on A checked box turns on right turn on red (RTOR) for right turn x
Red movement (left turn for left-hand model).
The intersection setup table for the roundabout control type includes all of the common
parameters listed for the unknown control type, plus the parameters listed in Table 4:
Intersection Setup: Roundabout Intersection Setup Parameters.
Table 4: Intersection Setup: Roundabout Intersection Setup Parameters also lists for each
parameter if applicable, units, default values, value ranges, relevant roundabout
methodology (HCM 2010 or Kimber), and ANM if the parameter is used when exporting to
Vissim. Some of the geometry parameters for the Kimber methodology have a letter
reference (i.e. (D)) at the beginning of their description referring to parameter reference in
Figure 6: Description of the Node Geometry for the Kimber model.
KIMBER
ANM
2010
Analysis Intersection capacity analysis methodology for selected
Method intersection and control type. If a global analysis methodology is
defined under the global parameters dialog, then the analysis
method in the intersection setup table does not apply.
[Roundabout options: HCM 2010, Kimber]
No. of Lanes Defines how many lanes of the approach geometry are pocket x x x
in Pocket lanes. A pocket lane is a lane added on the approach of an
intersection. Pocket lanes are most commonly used for turning
movements, but may be used for through movements as well. The
pocket lanes are always defined to either the left or right of the
through movement. For the example case of a two-lane road with
the approach lane geometry of a 1-Left, 2-Thru, 1-Right, there
would be 1 pocket lane defined each for the left and right lanes. In
a more complex example, a two-lane road with the approach lane
geometry of 1-Left, 3-Thru, 1-Right, there would be 1 pocket lane
for the left and 2 pocket lanes to the right.
Default = 0; Range = 0 – [# turn+through lanes – 1]
Crosswalk Distance of the crosswalk setback from the line of sight on the ft or m
Setback approach.
Default = 0; Range = 0 – 300 ft (91.4m)
Bypass Lane A checked box defines a channelized right turn lane (left turn for x
left-hand model) for the approach.
Bypass For a channelized turn lane, defines the control for entering the x
Control mainline
Default = Yield; Options: Without, Stop, Yield, Target Lane (free)
Entry Lane (E) Width of the approach directly at entry across all lanes. ft or m x x
Width Default = sum of the approach lane widths.
Entry Radius (R) Radius of the entry on the specified approach. More ft or m x x
specifically the radius which tangentially approximates to the outer
circle of the roundabout and the outer boundary of the approach.
Default = 50 ft (15.2 m); Range = 0 - 500 ft (152.4 m)
Entry Angle (Φ) See Figure 6: Description of the Node Geometry for the degrees x x
Kimber model
Default = 45 degrees; Range = 0 – 180 degrees
Approach (V) Road width of the approach without any turn pockets. ft or m x x
Half Width Default = 10 ft (3.1 m); Range = 5 - 50 ft (1.5 - 15.2 m)
Flare Length (L‘) Half of the Length of the approach segment between the ft or m x x
points where Entry Lane Width and Approach Half Width are
measured.
Default = 60 ft (18.3 m); Range = 3 – 60 ft (0.9 – 18.3 m)
Grade (SEP) Distance between approach and exit of the same node leg. ft or m x x
Separation For regular roundabouts specify 0 ft. With values > 0 you describe
the approaches at expanded roundabouts where the approach is
far away from the exit of the same leg.
Default = 0; Range = 0 - 300 ft (91.4 m)
No. of Number of lanes in the circle that conflict with the entry. x x
Circulating
Lanes
Exit Lane Width of the exit lane on the specified approach. If there is more ft or m x
Width than one exit lane, then each lane will use this value.
Default = 12.0 ft (3.66 m); Range = 8 – 60 ft (2.4 – 18.3 m)
Splitter Island A checked box defined presence of a splitter island for the x
selected approach.
Splitter Island Length of the Splitter Island measured from the outside boundary ft or m x x
Length of the circle.
Default = 0; Range = 0 – approach link length
Splitter Island Width of splitter island at the outside boundary of the circle. ft or m x
Width Default = 0; Range = any real number
Figure 7: Intersection Setup: Two-way & All-way Stop Intersection Setup Tables
The intersection setup tables for the all-way and two-way stop control types include all of the
common parameters listed for the unknown control type, plus the parameters listed in Table
5: Intersection Setup: Two-way & All-way Stop Intersection Setup Parameters. Table 5:
Intersection Setup: Two-way & All-way Stop Intersection Setup Parameters also lists for each
parameter if applicable, units, default values, value ranges, relevant unsignalized
methodology (HCM 2010 or HCM 2000), and ANM if the parameter is used when exporting
to Vissim.
Table 5: Intersection Setup: Two-way & All-way Stop Intersection Setup Parameters
Parameter Description Units
ANM
2000
2010
Analysis Intersection capacity analysis methodology for selected intersection
Method based on control type. If a global analysis methodology is defined
under the global parameters dialog, then the analysis method in the
intersection setup table does not apply. [All-way & Two-way Stop
options: HCM 2010, HCM 2000]
No. of Lanes Defines how many lanes of the approach geometry are pocket lanes. x x x
in Pocket A pocket lane is a lane added on the approach of an intersection.
Pocket lanes are most commonly used for turning movements, but
may be used for through movements as well. The pocket lanes are
always defined to either the left or right of the through movement.
For the example case of a two-lane road with the approach lane
geometry of a 1-Left, 2-Thru, 1-Right, there would be 1 pocket lane
defined each for the left and right lanes. In a more complex example,
a two-lane road with the approach lane geometry of 1-Left, 3-Thru,
1-Right, there would be 1 pocket lane for the left and 2 pocket lanes
to the right.
Default = 0; Range = 0 – [# turn+through lanes – 1]
Median A checked box defines a center median for the approach. A median x
is a dividing separation between opposing directions on an
approach.
Median Length of the median for the selected approach measured upstream ft or m x
Length from the stop bar location.
Default = 0; Range = 0 – approach link length
Channelized A checked box defines a channelized right turn lane (left turn for left- x
hand model) for the approach.
Channelized For a channelized turn lane, defines the control for entering the x
Control mainline traffic.
Options: SC (Signal Control), Stop, Yield, Target Lane (free)
8.2 Volumes
One of Vistro’s most powerful features is its trip accounting capability. With Vistro there are
multiple layers of volumes and adjustments that can be entered to result in the desired
analysis volume. When performing a traffic impact analysis (TIA) in Vistro, trips associated
with a development are automatically calculated for each turn movement in the network once
the trip generation, distribution, and assignment have been performed. Additionally, Vistro
provides place holders to make volume adjustments, such as in-process trips from an
already approved, but not yet built development that needs to be included in the analysis.
In the case of a non-TIA project, all of the TIA-related parameters are grouped together and
can be collapsed in the volume setup table by using the arrow button to the left of the TIA
Demand header. Parameters that appear italicized in the volume setup table are calculated
values. The Volumes workflow task table is shown in Figure 8: Volumes Table. All
parameters in the volume setup table are described below in Table 6: Volumes Parameters.
Base Volume Input Summary of Base Volume Input, description below. veh/h
Base Volume User definable adjustment factor to apply if desired to base volume input.
Adjustment factor An example application would be a seasonal adjustment factor.
Default = 1.0000; Range = 0 - 99.9000
Final Base Volume Base volume representing the base condition. veh/h
= Base Volume Input * Base Volume Adjustment Factor
Growth Rate Growth rate to be applied as multiplicative factor to adjust volume to future
year analysis.
Default = 1.000;
TIA Demand
In-Process Volume User definable volume input typically used to account for trips already veh/h
approved by a nearby development that is not yet in place.
Future Background Future volumes before any trips are added for the new development. veh/h
Volume = Final Base Volume * Growth Rate + In-Process Volume
Site-Generated Trips Trips calculated from the new development(s) based on the trip generation, veh/h
distribution, and assignment paths. Making changes to any component of
the trip generation process will result in a change to this value.
Diverted Trips Trips attracted from the traffic on roadways within the vicinity of the veh/h
development site but require a diversion from that roadway to another
roadway to gain access to the site. Diverted trips add traffic to the roadways
adjacent to a site. Value may be negative or positive.
Pass-by Trips Trips made as intermediate stops to the development on the way from an veh/h
origin to a primary trip destination. This field is used in tandem with the Trip
Generation for a zone. Primary trips (non-passby) can be generated and
assigned to the study network, while pass-by adjustments at project
driveways can be entered in these fields. Value may be negative or positive.
Existing Site User defined volume adjustment to account for trips either added or veh/h
Adjustment Volume removed due to changes in the land use to accommodate the new
development. For example, an existing apartment complex is removed to
allow construction of a new retail shop. In this case, trips from the apartment
complex have been accounted for in the base volume and now need to be
removed. This parameter may be positive or negative.
Net New Trips Total new trips added to the system after accounting for all adjustments. veh/h
= Site Generated + Diverted + Pass-by + Existing Site Adjustment Volume
Other Volume User definable volume not accounted for by other volume parameters veh/h
Future Total Volume Total future volume after all site generated trips and volume adjustments veh/h
have been made.
= Future Background Volume + Net New Trips + other volume
Right-Turn on Red Volume adjustment to account for vehicles per hour that turn right on a red veh/h
Volume signal. Value is positive.
Total Hourly Volume Total hourly future volume after accounting for right-turn on red veh/h
Peak Hour Factor PHF based on the Highway Capacity Manual used to adjust the hourly
volume to reflect the 15-minute peak flow rate.
Default = 1.0000; Range = 1 – 1.0000
Other Adjustment User defined adjustment factor to account for factors not accounted for by
Factor any other parameter.
Default = 1.0000; Range = 1 – 99.9000
Total 15-Minute Estimated total vehicles during the highest 15-minute period of the peak vehicles
Volume hour.
= (Total Hourly Volume * 0.25 / PHF) * Other Adjustment Factor
Total Analysis Calculated total analysis volume, including all volume adjustments and veh/h
Volume factors defined.
= Total 15-Minute Volume * 4
Presence of On- Checkbox to indicate on-street parking is present and a factor in the
Street Parking analysis
On-Street Parking Number of on-street parking maneuvers per hour that occur on the #/h
Maneuver Rate approach adjacent to the movement indicated
Local Bus Stopping Number of bus stop maneuvers per hour that occur on the approach #/h
Rate
Pedestrian Volume Pedestrian volume on crosswalk of selected approach. This volume is Peds/h
utilized in the HCM calculation and to generate pedestrian input for
crosswalks when exporting to Vissim
Bicycle Volume Bicycle volume crossing selected approach as similar to the pedestrian Bicycles/h
crossing(signalized intersections only).
Figure 9: Traffic Control Table: HCM 2010 and HCM 2000 for Signalized Intersections
Table 7: Traffic Control Parameters: HCM 2010 and HCM 2000 for Signalized Intersections
Intersection Settings
Analyze A check box indicates this intersection will be included in the analysis and reports.
Intersection?
A check box indicates the intersection is in a central business district. When active
Located in CBD sets the area type (saturation flow) adjustment factor to 0.90. See HCM for
description of CBD area.
Each signal controller has a unique ID number. This value defaults to the
Controller ID intersection number, but can be changed for intersections that are controlled by a
controller common to another intersection.
Signal Coordination Signalized intersections of the same sub group are coordinated collectively.
Group Multiple sub groups (coordinated routes) are permitted.
Controller cycle length. This is the maximum time it will take for each signal group
Cycle Length S
to cycle once. The cycle length is only used for coordination.
Defines whether the controller operates as fixed time, fully actuated or semi-
Actuation Type
actuated.
When coordinated, the local cycle timer will be offset from the master cycle timer
Offset S
by the defined offset time relative to the reference point.
This is the point in the cycle where the master cycle timer will be equal to the
defined Offset time when the controller is coordinated and not in transition
(offset seeking). The selections are:
LagEnd (End of Lagging Red) – The reference point will be at the end of
Red Clear for the lagging coordinated signal group.
This setting defines the permissive mode for the coordination pattern.
The permissive mode controls the method in which permissive periods are
opened and closed for all non-coordinated signal groups. The controller will only
yield to signal groups that are permissive following the end of green on each
coordinated signal group. The permissive modes are as follows:
At the beginning of the lagging coordinated signal group green for signal
groups outside of the same concurrent barrier group as the coordinated
signal groups.
When there is no longer enough time to clear all timing signal groups and
serve the longer of the Minimum Green or Permissive Green on the signal
group, or
When the signal group is in a different concurrent barrier group then the
Permissive Mode coordinated signal groups and any coordinated signal group has yielded
to a signal group that is sequentially before the coordinated signal group,
in the same ring and concurrent barrier group (i.e. a lagging coordinated
signal group yielding to its opposing left turn will close all cross street
permissive periods for the remainder of the cycle).
For each subsequent signal group, the permissive period will open once
the previous signal group’s permissive period closes (Only one signal
group per ring can be permissive at any given time).
The permissive period for non-coordinated signal groups will close the
same as they do for Single Band Permissive operation above.
Reservice – The permissive mode will operate the same as Single Band
Permissives until the coordinated signal groups yield to a non-coordinated
movement. ALL signal groups will be allowed to reserve. After the
coordinated signal groups yield once:
Permissive Mode
(continued)
Total time per cycle not effectively being used due to driver reaction time,
Lost Time acceleration, and deceleration at the start and end of active signal groups. This is S
typically three to four seconds per signal group, times the number of signal groups.
All signal groups serving the movement. When the Control Type is “Overlap” and
Auxiliary Signal
the Signal Group for the Overlap phase is entered, the Auxiliary Signal Groups cell
Groups
is active and allows selections of any phases with which this movement overlaps.
Lead/Lag Selection for Lead or Lag left turn for protected phasing.
Minimum Green Minimum green time that the signal group will serve before changing to yellow. S
Maximum time that the signal group will be allowed to extend before it will max-out.
Maximum Green A max-out will make a signal group eligible to terminate, even though it may not S
have gapped-out. This parameter when exported to RBC is reflected as Max1.
Amber Time a signal group will time an amber interval before advancing to red. S
Time a signal group will time red before a conflicting signal group will be allowed to
All red S
begin timing.
Amount of time allocated in the cycle for each signal group to time. The split
includes the time it will take the green, yellow, and red intervals to time for each
signal group. The split should at least accommodate the signal group Min Green
Split plus Yellow Clearance plus Red Clearance time, but it does not necessarily need S
to accommodate the full pedestrian service time for an actuated pedestrian signal
group. The sum of the splits of all signal groups in each ring should add up to the
Cycle Length.
Allowed time between successful vehicle extensions before a signal group will gap
Vehicle Extension out. This parameter may be referred to as passage in some controllers and does S
not affect the capacity calculation.
Minimum time a signal group will display a walk indication before advancing to the
Walk pedestrian clearance interval (flashing don’t walk). A signal group may not advance S
to yellow while the pedestrian movement is in the walk interval.
Time a signal group will display a flashing don’t walk indication before advancing to
Pedestrian
solid don’t walk. A signal group may not advance to Yellow while the pedestrian S
Clearance
movement is in the pedestrian clearance interval.
l1, Start-Up Lost Additional time needed to react to the initiation of the green signal and then
S
Time accelerate.
l2, Clearance Lost Time between signal indication changes during which the intersection is not used
S
Time by vehicles.
Coordinated Identifies the coordinate signal groups for the signal controller.
Signal groups flagged for this option will receive an automatic vehicle call
Minimum Recall regardless of actuation and time for at least its minimum green time. The green
time may extend beyond the minimum if demand is present.
Signal groups flagged for this option will receive an automatic vehicle call and
extension. The maximum green timer will unconditionally begin timing at the
Maximum Recall
beginning of green. Normally, the maximum green timer will only time if there are
opposing calls to the signal group.
Signal groups flagged for this option will receive an automatic pedestrian call and
Pedestrian Recall
time for the full walk plus pedestrian clearance time.
When a signal group has a call in the next barrier group, concurrent phases in that
barrier group may not have a call. In such case both the signal group with the call
and the signal group with no call will begin timing when the barrier is crossed if
Dual Entry both signal groups are flagged with Dual Entry. This feature is often used for S
through movement signal groups such that if one signal group is called, the signal
group in the opposite direction will automatically serve, even if it does not have a
call.
I, Upstream Adjustment factor to account for the effect of an upstream signal on vehicle arrivals
Filtering Factor to the subject movement group. This is currently user-defined.
Pedestrian Signal The signal phase number for the exclusive pedestrian phase.
Group
Minimum time the exclusive pedestrian signal group will display a walk indication
before advancing to the pedestrian clearance interval (flashing don’t walk). A signal
Pedestrian Walk S
group may not advance to yellow while the pedestrian movement is in the walk
interval.
Time the exclusive pedestrian signal group will display a flashing don’t walk
Pedestrian
indication before advancing to solid don’t walk. A signal group may not advance to S
Clearance
Yellow while the pedestrian movement is in the pedestrian clearance interval.
Controller cycle length. This is the maximum time it will take for each signal group
C, Cycle Length s
to cycle once. The cycle length is only used for coordination.
L, Total Loss Time Total lost time per cycle for specified lane group.
s
per Cycle
l1, Start Up Loss Time consumed to react and begin acceleration after signal group initiates green.
s
Time Default = 2.0s
Time consumed at the end of a signal group not serving traffic due to drivers
l2, Clearance Loss decelerating and stopping in reaction to an amber indication. s
Time
Default = 3.0s
Green Time Start Start of the signal group green time in the local cycle. s
Green Time End End of the signal group green time in the local cycle. s
g_i, Effective Green Amount of green time where vehicles proceed at the saturation flow rate.
s
Time
g/C, Green / Cycle The ratio of the effective green time of a signal group to the cycle length. s
(v/s)_i, Volume / The ratio of the volume to the saturation flow rate for the specified lane group.
Saturation Flow veh/h
Rate
Critical Lane Group Lane groups with the highest flow rate are indicated as critical.
so, Base Saturation Saturation flow rate for base (ideal) conditions
veh/h/ln
Flow Rate Default = 1900 veh/h/ln
f_p, Parking Adjustment factor for parking operations adjacent to travel lane
Adjustment
f_bb, Bus Blocking Adjustment factor for bus periodically blocking travel lane at transit stop
Adjustment
Override Calculated Checkbox to activate user input for Lane Utilization Adjustment Factor
Lane Utilization Adj
f_LU,u, User- User-defined Lane Utilization Adjustment Factor. When this is defined, this value
defined Lane will be used in place of the calculated f_LU.
Utilization
Adjustment
Total Saturation Aggregated adjustment factor; the product of the various saturation flow
Flow Adjustment adjustments.
s , Calculated Final Calculated final saturation flow rate after all adjustments have been taken into
Saturation Flow account. veh/h/ln
Rate
Override Calculated Checkbox to activate user input for Saturation Flow Rate
Saturation Flow
Rate
User-Defined User-defined Saturation Flow Rate. When this is defined, this value will be used in
Saturation Flow place of the Calculated Final Saturation Flow Rate veh/h/ln
Rate
Capacity Analysis
c, Capacity Effective capacity, taking into account all opposing flows etc. veh/h
g/C, Green / Cycle The ratio of the effective green time of a signal group to the cycle length
X, Volume / The ratio of the total analysis volume (flow rate) to the capacity
Capacity
The first term of the equation for lane group control delay, assuming constant
d1, Uniform Delay s
arrival and departure rates during a given time period. (1)
k, incremental delay Incremental delay factor used to account for the effect of controller type on delay.
calibration factor Default = 0.50
The second term of lane group control delay, accounting for delay due to the effect
d2, Incremental of random, cycle-by-cycle fluctuations in demand that occasionally exceed capacity
s
Delay, (i.e., cycle failure) and delay due to sustained oversaturation during the
analysis period. (1)
The third term of lane group control delay, accounting for delay due to a residual
d3, Initial Queue queue identified in a previous analysis period and persisting at the start of the
s
Delay current analysis period. This delay results from the additional time required to clear
the initial queue. (1)
Describes the quality of signal progression for the corresponding movement group.
Rp, Platoon Ratio
Values based on HCM look-up table for arrival type.
X, Volume/Capacity The ratio of the total analysis volume (flow rate) to the capacity
for Lane Group
Critical Lane Group Lane groups with the highest flow rate are indicated as critical.
Critical Movement
Sequence Editor
Ring 2 User defines the Signal Groups that occur on Ring 2, if applicable
Ring 3 User defines the Signal Groups that occur on Ring 3, if applicable
Ring 4 User defines the Signal Groups that occur on Ring 4, if applicable
To define phase sequence, go to the desired cell and use the drop-down menu to select from
the available signal groups.
To insert a barrier, click anywhere on the divider between the two columns where the barrier
should be inserted. To remove a barrier, click on the barrier again to toggle it off.
Once the sequence is defined, the timing diagram will appear directly below showing the
signal group numbers and associated splits for all vehicular and pedestrian signal groups
defined in the Sequence Editor.
Figure 12: Traffic Control: Circular 212 for Signalized Intersections Table
Intersection Settings
Analyze A check box indicates this intersection will be included in the analysis and
Intersection? reports.
All signal groups serving the movement. When the Control Type is “Overlap”
Auxiliary Signal and the Signal Group for the Overlap phase is entered, the Auxiliary Signal
Groups Groups cell is active and allows selections of all phases this movement
overlaps with.
Lead/Lag Selection for Lead or Lag left turn for protected phasing.
Saturation Flow
Sequence Editor
Ring 2 User defines the Signal Groups that occur on Ring 2, if applicable
Ring 3 User defines the Signal Groups that occur on Ring 3, if applicable
Ring 4 User defines the Signal Groups that occur on Ring 4, if applicable
Intersection Settings
Analyze A check box indicates this intersection will be included in the analysis and
Intersection? reports.
Controller cycle length. This is the maximum time it will take for each signal
Cycle Length s
group to cycle once. The cycle length is only used for coordination.
Total time per cycle not effectively being used due to driver reaction time,
acceleration, and deceleration at the start and end of active signal groups.
Loss Time s
This is typically three to four seconds per signal group, times the number of
signal groups.
All signal groups serving the movement. When the Control Type is “Overlap”
Auxiliary Signal and the Signal Group for the Overlap phase is entered, the Auxiliary Signal
Groups Groups cell is active and allows selections of all phases this movement
overlaps with.
Lead/Lag Selection for Lead or Lag left turn for protected phasing.
Saturation Flow
8.3.2 Roundabouts
The traffic control workflow tables are presented for each of the roundabout intersection
analysis methods, including HCM 2010 and Kimber.
Table 10: Traffic Control Parameters: Roundabouts - HCM 2010 for Roundabout
Intersections
Intersection Settings
A check box indicates this intersection will be included in the analysis and
Analyze Intersection?
reports.
Analysis Period Time period for the analysis, either 15 min or 1 hr.
Number of Conflicting Number of lanes directly in conflict with the approach entry lanes.
Circulating Lanes
Exiting Flow Rate Number of vehicles exiting on the specific approach. veh/h
Adjusted Demand Flow Demand Flow Rate adjusted for heavy vehicles
Rate veh/h
Lanes
Overwrite Calculated Checkbox to allow for overwriting of calculated critical headway value.
Critical Headway?
Overwrite Calculated Checkbox to allow for overwriting of calculated critical follow-up time
Critical Follow-Up Time? value.
A (intercept) Capacity model intercept based on follow-up headway used for calibration
Capacity of Entry and Total capacity of entry and bypass lanes by approach
veh/h
Bypass Lanes
Capacity per Entry Lane Entry capacity converted to vehicles per hour veh/h
Average Lane Delay Average control delay per lane of entry s/veh
Approach Delay Average control delay for the selected approach s/veh
Figure 15: Kimber Traffic Control Table: Kimber for Roundabout Intersections
Capacity Analysis
Approach Entering Volume Entering volume on approach determined from volume inputs. veh/h
Approach Capacity Approach capacity in passenger car units per hour veh/h
Approach Queue Length Expected queue length at the end of the observation period veh
Approach LOS Entry level-of-service based on Kimber mean delay and HCM 2010
unsignalized LOS table.
Figure 16: Traffic Control Table: HCM 2010 and HCM 2000 for TWSC Intersections
Table 12: Traffic Control Parameters: HCM 2010 and HCM 2000 for TWSC Intersections
Intersection Settings
Flared Lane A check box to indicate a flared lane on the stop-controlled approach
Storage Area Number of vehicles that can be stored in the flared section veh
Analyze A check box indicates this intersection will be included in the analysis and
Intersection? reports.
Analysis Period Time period for the analysis, either 15 min or 1 hr.
Population < Flag to indicate intersection is in an area with a population of less than 10,000
10000 (Signal people; used for signal warrant analysis
Warrants)
Capacity Analysis
v_c, Conflicting Total conflicting volume (flow rate) for selected turning movement
veh/h
Flow Rate
Total conflicting volume (flow rate) for selected turning movement for stage 1
v_c, Stage 1 veh/h
of 2 during two-stage gap acceptance
Total conflicting volume (flow rate) for selected turning movement for stage 2
v_c, Stage 2 veh/h
of 2 during two-stage gap acceptance
t_c,Base, Base, Base critical headway based on geometry and movement for stage 1 of 2
s
Stage 1 during two-stage gap acceptance.
t_c,Base, Base, Base critical headway based on geometry and movement for stage 2 of 2
s
Stage 2 during two-stage gap acceptance.
t_c,HV, Base critical headway adjustment factor for heavy vehicles. (1.0 for major
Adjustment streets with one lane in each direction; 2.0 for major streets with two or three s
Factor for HV lanes in each direction)
ppb,x, Pedestrian Pedestrian blockage factor or proportion of time that one lane on an
Impedance approach is blocked during 1 h. (1)
Factor
t_3,LT, Geometry Adjustment factor for intersection geometry (0.7 for minor-street left turn
s
Adjustment movement at three-leg intersections; 0.0 otherwise)
t_c,x, Calculated Calculated critical headway for selected movement after adjustments have
s
Critical Headway been made.
Calculated critical headway for selected movement for stage 1 of 2 during two-
t_c,x, Stage 1 s
stage gap acceptance after adjustments have been made.
Calculated critical headway for selected movement for stage 2 of 2 during two-
t_c,x, Stage 2 s
stage gap acceptance after adjustments have been made.
Overwrite A checkbox overrides the calculated critical headway with the user-defined
Calculated headway
Critical
Headway?
Base follow-up headway adjustment factor for heavy vehicles. (0.9 for major
t_f,HV, Adjustment streets with one lane in each direction, 1.0 for major streets with two or three
lanes in s
Factor for HV
each direction)
t_f,x, Calculated Calculated follow-up headway for selected movement after adjustments have
s
Follow-Up Time been made.
Overwrite A checkbox overrides the calculated follow-up headway with the user-defined
Calculated headway
Follow-Up Time?
p_0,j, Prob. Of Q- Probability of a queue free state for the conflicting movement
free State
f_k, Rank 3 Capacity adjustment factor that accounts for the impeding effects of
Capacity Higher-ranked movements.
Adjustment
Factor
f_p,l, Rank 4 Capacity adjustment factor that accounts for the impeding effects of higher-
Capacity ranked movements.
Adjustment
Factor
V/C_I, Worst Volume-to-capacity ratio for the movement with the worst (highest) delay value
Movement V/C
Ratio
d_I, Worst Delay value of the movement with the worst (highest) delay
Movement s/veh
Control Delay
Intersection LOS LOS for the intersection (based on Worst Movement Control Delay)
Figure 17: Traffic Control Table: HCM 2010 and HCM 2000 for AWSC Intersections
Table 13: Traffic Control Parameters: HCM 2010 & 2000 for AWSC Intersections
Intersection Settings
Analyze A check box indicated this intersection will be included in the analysis and
Intersection? reports.
Analysis Period Time period for the analysis, either 15 min or 1 hr.
Population < Flag to indicate intersection is in an area with a population of less than 10,000
10000 (Signal people; used for signal warrant analysis
Warrants)
Lanes
Degree of Degree of utilization based on initial departure headway and lane flow rates
Utilization, x
Average time for vehicle to move up to stop bar after preceding vehicle
Move-up time, m s
departs.
Service Time, ts Average time spent by a vehicle in first position waiting to depart s
No Zone number
Land Use Description of land use type Examples include single family residential, office,
retail, etc.
Land Use Code Code number for referencing land Example would be use of ITE land use code from
use type Trip Generation Manual
Data Entry Rate or Trips Users can enter either a trip generation rate or
directly enter the number of trips
Independent Variable Variable that is the basis of the trip Examples include dwelling units, thousand
generation rate square-feet of leasable area, occupied hotel
rooms, students, etc.
Trips In Number of trips generated inbound Product of Trips Generated x % In if Data Entry =
to the Zone Rate, or user entered value if Data Entry = Trips
Trips Out Number of trips generated Product of Trips Generated x % Out if Data Entry
outbound from the Zone = Rate, or user entered value if Data Entry =
Trips
Trip Type Trip added to or removed from the Added should be selected for all new trips to the
network network (i.e., from new development projects);
Removed should be selected for trips to be
removed from the network (i.e., to represent
existing trips from a land use that will be
removed).
Analyze Checkbox to select if Zone should When checked, trips from the Zone will be
be analyzed or not in current generated for the current scenario.
scenario
The trip generation data are applied, along with the trip distribution data entered in the Trip
Distribution Workflow Task Table (Chapter 9.2 Trip Distribution on page 95) and the Path
percentages entered in Trip Assignment Workflow Task Table (Chapter 9.3 Trip Assignment
on page 98), to determine the traffic assignments on the network.
The table for each zone can be collapsed or expanded, to allow for ease of viewing, by
clicking the triangle shape on the left-side of the table header bar for each zone.
The search entry box can be utilized to search for a specific zone in the network.
The trip distribution percentages are utilized, along with the trip generation data entered in
the Trip Generation Workflow Task Table (see Chapter 9.1 Trip Generation on page 94) and
the Path percentages entered in Trip Assignment Workflow Task Table (Chapter 9.3 Trip
Assignment on page 98), to determine the traffic assignments on the network.
Trip Distribution parameters are described in the table below.
To Zone Name Trips entering the Zone from other Zones and Gates
From Zone or Gate trips come from (to enter subject Zone)
From Share, % Percent Share of trips for subject Zone that are distributed to each Zone or Gate
From Trips Total number of trips for the subject Zone that are distributed to each Zone or
Gate, based on the From Share %
From Zone Name Trips exiting the Zone to go to other Zones and Gates
To Share, % Percent Share of trips from each Zone and Gate distributed to the subject Zone
To Trips Total number of trips for each Zone and Gate distributed to the subject Zone,
based on the From Share %
It should be noted that, due to data consistency, changing a share % for one Zone may
change the share % for another Zone as the number of trips from one zone to another zone
may not be represented as the same Share % for each of those zones.
Vistro also provides additional functions to assist with data entry. These are described below:
Zone and Gate Name Enter a Zone / Gate name in the table. The Zone number and name will be shown.
Search Zone Window with drop-down list of all Zones in the network. Selecting a Zone in this
search window will collapse all other tables in view.
To search, select the down arrow to see the entire list. You can also type in the
Zone number or name directly. Note that this search is case sensitive.
Mirror Distribution If you have the same distribution for trips entering the Zone as leaving the Zone,
you can input the share % for either the To or From and mirror that distribution for
the other direction by using the left and right arrows in the header of each
subtable.
Column Filter Use the filter for the Share % or Trips to view only specific values (e.g., only show
values greater than 0%).
The table above will show any Paths already created in your network, including those
created using the Path tool, as described above (see Chapter 9.1 Trip Generation on page
94).
You will complete the Trip Assignment in two steps:
1. Add all Paths for your Trip Assignment
2. Define the Volume Share for each Path
This is useful if you want to generate an initial set of Paths without using the Path tool. It is
also useful if you add Zones and/or Gates and need to provide at least one Path between the
new Zones & Gates.
When a row is selected in the Trip Assignment Workflow Table, the corresponding path is
displayed visually in the network window (Figure 21: Path Graphical Representation of Trip
Assignment Row Selected).
The volume share (path percentages) entered here are applied, along with the trip
generation data entered in the Trip Generation Workflow Task Table (Chapter 9.1 Trip
Generation on page 94) and the trip distribution data entered in the Trip Distribution
Workflow Task Table (Chapter 9.2 Trip Distribution on page 95), to determine the traffic
assignments on the network.
The Trip Assignment Parameters are described in the table below.
Name Path Name – enter it directly in the cell. For those paths that are generated through the
Add Missing Paths function, the default name is “Automatically generated” but this can
be edited.
Origin Name Start of the Trip Assignment Path Zone / Gate Name
Destination Name End of the Trip Assignment Path Zone / Gate Name
Volume Share, % Percent of volume for that Zone-Zone or Zone-Gate pair assigned to the specific Path
Volume Volume for that Zone-Zone or Zone-Gate pair assigned to the specific Path
Length, ft or m Length of the Path measured from the network entry point to the network exit point (it does
not include the distance from the network end points to the Zone / Gate)
10 Signal Optimization
Vistro provides you two levels of optimization:
Local Optimization
Network Optimization
Local and Network Optimization can be applied to any signalized intersection in your network
that is designated as Coordination Type = Coordinated. The optimization can then be applied
to any Actuation Type (Fixed, Semi-Actuated, Fully Actuated).
The following sections describe the steps and methodologies for each level of optimization.
Then, you can optimize each intersection individually or all intersections in your network at
one time (with no interaction between intersections). The steps for local optimization are
below with a description of the methodology following. Note that when a single signal
controller is assigned to multiple intersections, the local optimization will be based on the
data inputs for all intersections of that controller. All intersections of the signal controller will
be optimized and adjusted simultaneously.
1. While in the Traffic Control table, Click on the button to access the Local
Optimization Splits dialog:
1. Click on the button to access the Local Optimization Splits and Cycle Time dialog:
The following steps are necessary for calculating the green time split:
1. Calculate adjusted volume and saturation flow rate for each lane group (already
calculated for capacity analysis).
2. For each SG in the signal timing plan, determine the critical lane group.
3. Allocate splits based on critical lane group V/C ratios.
4. If Minimizing Critical Movement Delay: Shift green time from non-critical to critical
movement until no movement mc can be improved without making another
movement mn worse than mc.
5. Check that the allocated green times meet all the constraints (user defined
Minimum Green, Amber and Red Times, as well as Pedestrian Walk and Clearance
Times).
The following steps are necessary for calculating the optimum cycle time:
1. Determine the set T of permitted cycle times at the Signal Controller is defined by
the user in the Local Optimization Dialog.
2. To each permissible cycle time t from T the following applies:
a. Specify optimal splits s*(t) for predefined cycle time t.
b. Use ICA to calculate the total delay at the node for s*(t).
3. As an optimal cycle time t* select the t with minimum total delay. In addition, set the
optimal split s*(t*).
The ICA calculation of the total intersection delay at the intersection only provides valid
values, if the sum of critical V/C ratios is smaller than or equal to 1. To greater sums
always t* = max(T) applies.
The process can be described graphically as well as in Figure 22. Local Split Optimization.
Critical Movement Delay”) but the overall intersection delay is higher than using the V/C
Balancing method (Figure 25. Example Results Using “V/C Balancing”).
Both objectives are valid and it is a decision by the modeler which one to use.
Try Set
These options are selected as described above with the parameters defined below.
With this option chosen, as shown in Figure 26. Cycle Optimization Settings Between
Boundaries, you can define a lower and upper bound for the Cycle Times to be evaluated
during the optimization. You also set the Step Size that is applied when searching for the
optimum Cycle Time.
Example:
Lower Bound = 60
Upper Bound = 120
Step Size = 10
In this example, the optimizer checks cycle times 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 100s, 110s, and 120s
and selects the one that gives the lowest intersection delay.
With this option, you define a specific set of Cycle Times that will be tested for optimality. The
Cycle Time from this set that gives the lowest overall intersection delay will be selected.
may be more beneficial to use the distant intersections as “natural” boundaries for the Signal
Coordination Group definitions, which allow those intersections to be optimized together.
These are described in the subsection below. Once this is set up, you can then set up and
run the Network Optimization by following these steps:
1. Go to the Signal Control > Network Optimization in the Menu Bar to access the
Network Optimization Dialog:
“Weight” Routes in relation to each other to prioritize specific Routes when optimizing the
network.
They can be defined in the network editor.
Create Reverse Route – create the route using the same nodes and links but in the
opposite travel direction from the selected Route
Network Optimization
Method
HC Parameter:
Number of Starting Solutions
Hill Climb
Genetic Algorithm
Offset Optimization
The various stages of the process are described in the following subsections.
Hill Climbing
1 Holland, John H (1975), Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems, University of Michigan Press,
Ann Arbor
2 Goldberg, David E (1989), Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization and Machine Learning,
Evaluate Population
Crossover
Mutation
New Population
There is a population of individuals (here: signal plans) and each of the individuals has a
certain fitness (here: objective function, weighted sum of delay and number of stops, to be
minimized). Every individual has a probability to be selected for reproduction for the next
generation, where the probability is higher with a higher fitness (analogy to the evolution).
Several so called genetic operations can be performed in the reproduction process.
Crossover
Mutation
To never get worse with the next iteration, the best individual of every generation is taken
over directly to the next generation.
As shown in below, the Genetic algorithm allows you to adjust the Objective Function factors
and define the optimization settings, providing you control over the level of robustness and
speed of the optimization of your network.
Objective Function
The optimization algorithm aims to minimize the objective function. The objective function is
the weighted sum of (a) total vehicle delay (hours) and (b) the number intersections where a
vehicle has to stop over all vehicles. The user can define the weights for the two factors.
Population Size
Population Size specifies the number of individuals (network wide signal plans) there is per
generation. Generally, the higher this number is, the better the chances to find the optimum.
The computation time can be up to proportional to the population size (if Maximum Number
of Iterations is the relevant termination criterion).
Minimum Improvement
Minimum Improvement specifies how much better the solution has to be to be considered
better. Example: if this is 1%, then an improvement of 0.5% will not be considered as an
improvement.
3Robertson, D.I. TRANSYT - A Traffic Network Study Tool. RRL Report LR 253, Road Research
Laboratory, U.K., 1969.
Dispersion (Source: Figure 3-19 from Traffic Control Systems Handbook, Chapter 3 [FHWA])
shows a simple case of platoon dispersion between two intersections.
Figure 33. A simple case of Platoon Dispersion (Source: Figure 3-19 from Traffic
Control Systems Handbook, Chapter 3 [FHWA])
Number of vehicles arriving at the end of the coordination path leg is calculated as follows:
𝑞′𝑡+𝛽𝑇 = 𝐹 ∙ 𝑞𝑡 + (1 − 𝐹) ∙ 𝑞′𝑡+𝛽𝑇−1
𝑞 ′ 𝑡 : Number of vehicles arriving at the end of the coordination path leg in time step t
𝑞𝑡 : Number of vehicles departing at the beginning of the coordination path leg in time step t
𝐹: 𝐹 = 1⁄(1 + 𝛼𝛽𝑇), = 0.35, = 0.8
𝑇: Travel Time on the coordination path leg (based on user defined approach speed and
distance)
For calculating queue lengths it is presumed that separate lanes of sufficient length exist for
separate Signal Groups at an approach. Vistro generally assumes "vertical" queues and
does therefore not consider spillback upstream over several links or have an effect on the
capacity of the turns of other Signal Groups.
Coordination Groups
Here the user can select from a drop down list which coordination groups he wants to be
optimized. The drop down list contains all coordination groups that exist (per definition at the
SC in the traffic control tab).
Selection of multiple coordination groups is possible, the selected groups show up as a
comma separated list in the closed drop down menu if this is easy to implement. If it is hard
to implement, the selection can just be a persistent selection/marking of the selected groups
that is visible if the user opens the drop down list.
Optimization is carried out for each coordination group separately, i.e. cycle times can be
different for different coordination groups.
Split optimization
The user can select optimization of only Splits (no Cycle Time Optimization). The user can
then define the percent of reduction from the optimum split that would be allowed during the
optimization process. No further parameters defined here. The constraints (minGreen etc.)
are taken as defined in the Traffic Control tab.
If the user selects Split and Cycle Time Optimization, then they define a range of cycle times
that are optimized.
The user inputs the following:
Lower boundary cycle time
The lower boundary is tested, every increment using the step size, and finally the upper
boundary (even if the given step size would not find this upper boundary).
Half cycles are always allowed. Vistro retains the relation of the cycle times in a coordination
group throughout the cycle time optimization. If a controller has a half cycle before the
optimization, it will have a half cycle after the optimization. The Lower Bound and the Upper
Bound parameters refer to full cycles. If, for example, Lower Bound and Upper Bound are set
to 60s and 240s, respectively, half cycles between 30s and 120s will be used.
Offset optimization
The user can specify the precision to be applied when searching for the optimum offsets. The
user can choose between 1s, 05s, 02s and 0.1s. Generally, lower values are more precise
but will make the optimization more complex and hence more time intensive.
If Lead/Lag optimization is allowed, then for every signal group combination that allows (as
defined in the Traffic Control tab) for Lead/Lag optimization, Leading and Lagging green
phases are tested.
The progress monitor appears once the network optimization is initiated. It shows the
progress of the optimization and allows you to manually interrupt the optimization (before one
of the user-defined termination criteria makes the optimization process stop automatically).
The progress is shown as a graph: The horizontal axis shows the number of iterations (time),
the vertical axis shows the value of the objective function (currently best solution). The
objective function value is monotonically decreasing. You may end the optimization e.g.
because the current solution is acceptable or because it seems that the performance solution
is not improving.
In this dialog, there is also access to an "error.txt" and a “messages.txt” file. The “error.txt”
provides you information when the optimization could not been carried to help you identify
problems that caused the optimization to not run properly. The “messages.txt” file provides
detailed information about the optimization itself, including the parameters tested and the
resulting Performance Index (PI) for each iteration of testing.
4
9
Empty circle: Node without signal control which is traversed by both paths
Filled triangle: Signalized node which is traversed by just one path (initial or reverse
direction)
Filled triangle: Node without signal control which is traversed by just one path (initial or
reverse direction)
You can change the colors of the margins and the fillings of the icons and you can change
the link display.
No.
Incremental value.
Name
User defined attribute to specify the route.
Length
Calculated length of the route (based on actual shape).
Weights
User defined attribute to specify relative weighting of each optimization route during the
optimization process.
Flowing Off
On the basis of green times of the displayed turn on a signal control, the Flowing Off option
visualizes the possible range in which vehicles can drive with the predefined speed to the
next signal control.
Arterial Bands
The arterial band visualizes only the range in which a vehicle which drives at the predefined
speed reaches all signal controls on the path at green. Therefore it is a subset of the green
bands visualized with the Flowing Off option.
11 Mitigation
Vistro provides a Mitigation process, which allows you to evaluate potential mitigation
measures for intersections that may not meet operational standards. Upon editing the inputs
while testing mitigations, the calculations change “on the fly” to provide the user with an
interactive mitigation testing environment.
The Mitigation Table is shown below.
In the Mitigation table, the Unmitigated condition is always present. Here, you can see the
basic Intersection Setup and Traffic Control parameters associated with the overall
operations at the intersection. Any changes made in the Unmitigated condition will be applied
to the network.
For each Mitigation Option, the Unmitigated Summary is shown at the top of the table for
easy comparison. In this Mitigation Option table, you can change the Control Type, Analysis
Method, and the associated geometry and traffic control parameters.
Not all parameters are available for editing in the Mitigation Option as the intent is to provide
a reasonable analysis with minimal data entry to evaluate the feasibility of various Mitigation
measures.
Additional functions and features enable easier Mitigation testing as well as comparison of
results across the Options, as summarized below.
Add Mitigation Option Click to add a new Mitigation Option. Vistro allows up to 99
individual options per intersection
Delete Mitigation Options Click to remove this Mitigation Option from the Mitigation Table.
Rename Mitigation Option Double click on the Tab name to edit the name.
Optimize Splits and Cycle Optimizes local splits and cycle time for current Mitigation
Time Option
Optimize Splits Optimizes local splits only (maintains cycle time) for current
Mitigation Option
12 Reporting
Vistro provides a complete set of report-ready tables and figures, formatted for efficiency,
easy-reading, and jurisdictional review. The following sections detail how to create your
report and a description of the reports generated.
Select Reports: Select which tabular and graphical reports to include in the report
Report Nodes: Select which nodes to include in the report and define hourly volume
factors for signal warrant analysis at all unsignalized intersections
Report Zones: Select which Zones to include in the report
The reports in Vistro can be configured in a variety of ways in the Page Layout tab, as
described in the table below.
File Format Choose the format for the report. Options are:
CSV (tabular reports only)
HTML
PDF (pdf)
Page Layout Choose the page layout (A4 or Letter)
Show Intersection Names Print Intersection Names above the bubbles in the figures generated in the report.
Show Numbers of Report Print numbers on the figures generated in the report.
Figures
First Figure Number Set the number for the first figure in the report.
Open Report After Print Select to open the report in the chosen format after printing is complete.
In addition, you can add headers and footers by dragging and dropping the elements to the
placeholders on the Report page, as shown in the figure below.
Header and Footer data options are summarized in the table below.
Page Number Pages are sequentially numbered for each page of the report.
Starting Page: Indicate the number for the first page of the report.
Company Logo Select an image file containing your company logo. Supported formats include
ICO, BMP, JPG, JPEG, PNG.
Project Title Fill in the Project Title. Note, this will also be shown in the Summary Table of the
report.
In addition and by default, the report contains the text “Generated with PTV Vistro” and the
Vistro version number in the header.
Report settings are saved in the network (*.Vistro) file.
Note that the Mitigation reports are accessible from the Mitigation Workflow Task
Table (see Chapter 9.1 Trip Generation on page 9410).
Intersection ID
Intersection Name
Control Type
Analysis Method
Intersection V/C
Intersection Delay
Intersection LOS
Intersection Setup
Volumes
Intersection Settings
12.3.2.3 Volumes
Following, the volumes are reported (Figure 43: Volumes).
In Process Future
The volumes are shown by movement as well as total volumes for each intersection.
In-Process
Other
Total
The report will generate a figure for every volume type that exists in at least one turning
movement.
Delay
13 Scenario Management
With Vistro, you can manage several scenarios in a single project file using the Scenario
Manager. Vistro will maintain your Base Scenario and track the variations for additional
scenarios that you define.
After developing your Base network, add scenarios to represent various traffic conditions
such as:
Peak Hours;
The Scenario Manager is conveniently located in the Menu Bar, as shown in Figure 53:
Scenario Editor. Here, you can add and delete scenarios. The Scenario chosen in this
window is the currently selected scenario for editing.
6. To delete a Scenario, right-click on the Scenario and select Duplicate or click on the
button
In addition, this folder contained additional subfolders with internal files used to track the
changes made in each Scenario, as shown in Figure 55. Vistro Scenarios File Structure.
Figure 55. Vistro Scenarios File Structure (Vistro 1 and Vistro 2 only)
These files do not need to be accessed directly. You only need to open the Vistro project file
when opening the project in Vistro.
To convert older Vistro files to the new file structure:
1. Select File > Open...
2. In the dialogue, select file type Old PTV Vistro Scenario Project Files (*.vistropdb).
This will open the project in Vistro.
3. Select Save As…
4. Provide a new file name.
The project is now stored as a Vistro 4 file (*.vistro).
14 Import/Export
Vistro allows you to exchange data between Vistro and a variety of other software, including
PTV Visum and Vissim. File formats currently supported for Import / Export are listed below.
PTV Visum X X
PTV Vissim X
External Formats
Trafficware Synchro® X X
Transoft OTISS X X
SVG X
Volumes X X
The following sections contain information about each of these file formats.
NOTE: This feature does not support the import of data generated with Synchro®
version 6 or below.
14.2.5 Volumes
Vistro can import and export turning movement volumes using a CSV (*.csv) file. In a typical
workflow, a user would first define the intersection lane configurations for all intersections in
the network and then use File > Export > Volumes… to export out the formatted CSV file.
Then, using a spreadsheet tool such as Excel®, the user can populate the appropriate
turning movement cells with the corresponding volumes. Afterwards, the user can import the
CSV file containing the volumes using File > Import > Volumes…
Vistro can import and export the following turn volume attributes:
Base Volume Input
In-Process Volume
Diverted Trips
Pass-by Trips
Other Volume
15 Analysis Methods
As described previously, Vistro provides intersection analysis for the following intersection
types:
Signalized;
Roundabouts
The flow chart for conducting HCM 2010 signalized intersection analysis is shown in Figure
56: HCM 2010 Signalized Intersections Methodology:
Pretimed Actuated
Converge?
group designation is useful for specifying input data. The lane group designation is useful for
describing the calculations associated with the methodology.
Movement groups are determined based on the following rules:
Exclusive turning lane(s) serve as a movement group
A lane group is a lane or set of lanes designated for separate analysis. Each intersection
approach may have one or more lane groups. The following are designations of lane groups:
Exclusive left turn-lane(s)
This procedure applies to lane groups that consist of an exclusive lane(s) operating in a pre-
timed protected mode, without pedestrian or bicycle interaction. The supplemental
procedures described in HCM 2010 Chapter 31 are combined with those in this step to
compute the adjusted saturation flow rate when other conditions are present.
The adjusted saturation flow rate per lane for the subject lane group is calculated as:
s = so fw fHV fg fp fbb fa fLU fLT fRT fLpb fRpb
where:
s = adjusted saturation flow rate (veh/h/ln),
so = base saturation flow rate (pc/h/ln),
fw = adjustment factor for lane width,
fHV = adjustment factor for heavy vehicles in traffic stream,
fg = adjustment factor for approach grade,
fp = adjustment factor for existence of a parking lane and parking activity adjacent to lane
group,
fbb = adjustment factor for blocking effect of local buses that stop within intersection area,
fa = adjustment factor for area type,
fLU = adjustment factor for lane utilization,
fLT = adjustment factor for left-turn vehicle presence in a lane group,
fRT = adjustment factor for right-turn vehicle presence in a lane group,
fLpb = pedestrian adjustment factor for left-turn groups, and
fRpb = pedestrian–bicycle adjustment factor for right-turn groups.
The details of the calculations of the saturation flow adjustment factors are described in detail
in HCM 2010 Chapters 18 and 31.
𝑣 𝐶
𝑋𝑐 = ∑ (𝑁∗𝑠) ( )
𝑖 𝑐𝑖 𝐶 − 𝐿
Where:
Xc = critical intersection volume-to-capacity ratio,
C = cycle length (s),
v/(N*s)I = critical flow ratio for phase I,
ci = set of critical phases on the critical path, and
L = cycle lost time (s).
𝑔 2
0.5 𝐶 (1 − )
𝑑1 = 𝐶
1 − [𝑚𝑖𝑛(1, 𝑋)𝑔/𝐶]
where
C = cycle length (s),
g = effective green time (s), and
X = volume-to-capacity ratio
Alternatively, the HCM 2010 presents the “incremental queue accumulation” procedure for
cases beyond the assumptions mentioned above, to allow more accurate uniform delay
estimates for progressed traffic movements, movements with multiple green periods, and
movements with multiple saturation flow rates (e.g., protected-permitted turn movements).
The incremental queue accumulation procedure models arrivals and departures as they
occur during the average cycle. Specifically, it considers arrival rates and departure rates as
they may occur during one or more effective green periods. The rates and resulting queue
size can be shown in a queue accumulation polygon. Refer to HCM 2010 Chapters 18 and
31 for details.
8 𝑘 𝐼 𝑋𝐴
𝑑2 = 900 𝑇 [(𝑋𝐴 − 1) + √(𝑋𝐴 − 1)2 + ]
𝐶𝐴 𝑇
With
𝑋𝐴 = 𝑣⁄𝑐𝐴
where
T = analysis period duration (h),
XA = average volume-to-capacity ratio,
cA = average capacity (veh/h),
k = incremental delay factor, and
I = upstream filtering adjustment factor.
Calculating Initial Queue Delay, d3:
The initial queue delay is the result of unmet demand at the start of the analysis period. If no
lane group has initial queue, then the initial queue delay, d3, is 0.0 seconds/vehicle. This
value is set to 0 in the current implementation. If initial queue is present at the start of the
analysis period, the equations in HCM 2010 Chapter 18 can be used to estimate the initial
queue delay for the lane group.
Calculate Delay for the Approach, dA:
The average control delay for each approach to the intersection is a weighted average delay,
where each lane group delay for the approach is weighted by the lane group demand flow
rate. It is calculated by:
∑ 𝑑𝑖 𝑣𝑖
𝑑𝐴 =
∑ 𝑣𝑖
∑ 𝑑𝑖 𝑣𝑖
𝑑𝐼 =
∑ 𝑣𝑖
Table 22: Intersection Level of Service (LOS) for HCM 2010 Signalized Method
Level of Service (LOS) Control Delay (s/veh)
LOS A ≤ 10
LOS B > 10 − 20
LOS C > 20 − 35
LOS D > 35 − 55
LOS E > 55 − 80
LOS F > 80
intersection geometry is deconstructed into lane (or signal) groups, which are the basic unit
of analysis in the HCM method.
A lane (or signal) group is a group of one or more lanes on an intersection approach having
the same green stage. For example, if an approach has just one pocketed exclusive left turn
and one shared through and right turn, then there are usually two lane groups – the left and
the shared through/right.
The volumes are then adjusted via peak hour factors, etc. For each lane group, the
saturation flow rate (SFR), or capacity, is calculated based on the number of lanes and
various adjustment factors such as lane widths, signal timing, and pedestrian volumes.
Having calculated the demand and the capacity for each lane group, various performance
measures can be calculated. These include, for example, the v/c ratio, the average amount
of control delay by vehicle, the Level of Service, and the queues.
𝑣ℎ
𝑃𝐻𝐹 =
4𝑣15
Where
vh = hourly volume (veh)
v15 = peak 15-minute volume (veh)
Then,
vi = vg / PHF
where
vi = adjusted volume for lane group i
vg = unadjusted (input) volume for lane group g
PHF = peak hour factor (0 to 1.0)
Step 5: Proportions of left turning and right turning vehicles by lane group
The proportion of right and left turn volume by lane group needs to be calculated.
PLT = vLT / vi
PRT = vRT / vi
where
PLT = proportion left turn volume by lane group
PRT = proportion right turn volume by lane group
vi = adjusted volume by lane group
movement). The capacity, however, accounts for the fact that the movement must share the
signal with the other movements at the intersection, and therefore scales the SFR by the
percent of green time in the cycle. The capacity of a lane group is then defined as follows:
ci = si • (gi / C)
where
ci capacity i
si saturation flow rate i
C cycle time
gi / C green ratio i
Step 9: Calculation of the critical vol/cap ratio for the entire intersection
The critical v/c ratio of intersections is defined below. The HCM method is concerned with the
critical lane group for each signal stage. The critical lane group is the lane group with the
largest volume/capacity ratio unless there are overlapping stages. If there are overlapping
stages, then the maximum of the different combinations of the stages is taken as the max.
For the description of this method, please refer to HCM 2000, page 16-14, or HCM 2010,
page 18-41.
𝑣 𝐶
𝑋𝑐 = ∑ (𝑠 ) ( )
𝑖 𝑐𝑖 𝐶 − 𝐿
where
Xc = critical saturation (v/c ratio) per intersection
= volume/capacity ratios for all critical lane groups
C = cycle time
L = loss time total of the signal groups of all critical lane groups
where
dUi uniform delay for lane group i
gi effective (actual) green time
Xi = v/c volume/capacity ratio
Step 10b: Calculation of the incremental delay for each lane group
The incremental delay is the random delay that occurs since arrivals are not uniform and
some cycles will overflow. It is calculated as follows:
Where
dIi incremental (random) delay for lane group i
ci capacity for lane group i
Xi = v/c volume/capacity ratio
T duration of analysis period (hr) (default 0.25 for 15 min)
ki lookup value (HCM attachment 16 – 13) based on the controller type
Ii upstream filtering / metering adjustment factor (set to 1 for isolated intersection)
Step 10c: Delay calculation for the residual demand per lane group
The residual demand delay is the result of unmet demand at the start of the analysis period.
It is only calculated if an initial unmet demand at the start of the analysis period is input (Q). It
is set to 0 in the current implementation. It is calculated as follows:
where
dRi residual demand delay for lane group i
Qbi initial unmet demand at the start of period T in vehicles for lane group (default 0)
ci capacity
T duration of analysis period (hr) (default 0.25 for 15 min)
ui delay parameter for lane group (default 0)
Where
dA mean delay per vehicle for approach A
di delay for lane group i
vi volume for lane group i
where
dI mean delay per vehicle for intersection I
dA delay for approach
VA volume for approach
Table 23: Intersection Level of Service (LOS) for HCM 2000 Signalized Method
LOS A ≤ 10
LOS B > 10 − 20
LOS C > 20 − 35
LOS D > 35 − 55
LOS E > 55 − 80
LOS F > 80
where
PF2 = progression factor 2
vi = volume of lane group i per lane
C = cycle time
gi = effective green time of lane group i
Xi = volume/capacity ratio of lane group i
where
PF2 = progression factor 2
vi = volume per lane of lane group i
C = cycle time
gi = effective green time lane group i
si = saturation flow rate for lane group i
RP = platoon ratio – based on lookup table for arrival type
Step 14b: Calculate second-term of queued vehicles, estimate for mean overflow
queue
Where
Q average queue length
where
fw = lane width adjustment factor
W = mean lane width (≥8) (ft)
where
fHV = adjustment factor for heavy goods vehicles
%HV = percentage of heavy vehicles per lane group
EP = passenger car equivalent factor (2.0 / HV)
where
fg = adjustment factor for approach grade
%G = approach grade as percentage (-6 % to +10 %)
where
fp = parking adjustment factor (1.0 if no parking, else ≥ 0.050)
N = number of lanes in lane group
Nm = number of parking maneuvers per hour (only for right turn lane groups) (0 to 180)
where
fbb bus stop blocking adjustment factor (≥0.05)
N number of lanes in lane group
NB number of bus stop events per hour (does not apply to left turn lane groups) (0 to 250)
where
fLu = adjustment factor lane utilization
vg = unadjusted (input) volume for lane group g
vgl = unadjusted (input) volume for lane with highest volume in lane group (veh per hour)
For this adjustment factor, an HCM lookup-table is regarded (HCM 2000: table 10-23 on
page 10-26.
where
fRT right turn adjustment factor (≥0.05)
where
fLT = adjustment factor for left turns
PLT = proportion of left turn volume for lane group
For permitted staging, there are five cases. When there is protected-plus-permitted staging
or permitted-plus-protected staging, the analysis is split into the protected portion and the
permitted portion. The two are analyzed separately and then combined. Essentially this
means treating them like separate lane groups. Refer to the HCM for how to split the
effective green times among the protected and permitted portions.
1. Exclusive lane with permitted phasing – use the general equation below
2. Exclusive lane with protected-plus-permitted phasing – use 0.95 for the protected portion
and the general equation below.
3. Shared lane with permitted phasing – use the general equation below
4. Shared lane with protected-plus-permitted phasing – use the equation above for protected
phasing portion and the general equation below for the permitted portion
5. Single lane approach with permitted left turns – use the general equation below
The general equation for calculating fLT for permitted left turns is below. Note that this is not
the exact HCM 2000 equation since there are a few different versions depending on the
situation – shared/exclusive lane, multilane/single lane approach, etc. But the equation is
similar regardless of the situation. This general equation is the equation for an exclusive left
turn lane with permitted phasing on a multilane approach opposed by a multilane approach.
The equation is basically the percentage of the time when lefts can make the turn times an
adjustment factor. The adjustment factor is based on the portion of lefts in the lane group and
an equivalent factor for gap acceptance time that is based on the opposing volume. The
calculation of the percentage of the time when lefts can make the turn is a function of the
opposing volume and their green time. The equation is as follows:
where
fLT = Global adjustment factor for left-turns
fLTmin = Minimum value for adjustment factor
g = Effective non-protected green time for left-turn lane group
gu = Effective non-protected green time for left-turns crossing a conflicting flow
PL = Share of left-turns using lane L
EL1 =Through equivalent for non-protected left-turns (veh/hr/lane) (look-up value depends on
conflict flow volume)
gq = Effective non-protected green time , while left-turns are blocked completely and the spill-
back of the conflict flow is reduced
go = Effective green time for conflict flow
N = Number of lanes in lane group
Step 6j: Calculate pedestrian adjustment factors for left and right turns
The computation of the factors for left-turning and right-turning pedestrians and bicyclists is a
considerably complex operation. It is performed in four steps. For the computation, the
bicycle volumes of the legs are regarded and the pedestrian volumes of the crosswalks. A
traffic flow has potential conflicts with two crosswalks on the outbound leg. These two
crosswalks head for the opposite directions.
NOTE: At a leg which is a channelized turn no conflicts occur between right turn
movements and pedestrians.
Here, vpedg is the pedestrian flow rate, v1pedg and v2pedg are the pedestrian volumes of the
crosswalks, C is the cycle time of the signal control and g1p and g2p indicate the duration of
the green for the pedestrians.
NOTE: In the HCM 2000 it is implicitly assumed, that the green for the left turn
movements and the green for the pedestrians start at the same time. In Vistro, this is
not the case, however. Thus, the following distinction of cases applies in Visum: If the
pedestrian green time overlaps (or touches) the green or amber stage for vehicles, an
existing conflict is assumed. In this case, the duration of the green of the pedestrian
signal group is fully charged. Otherwise it is assumed, that there is no conflict. In this
case, gp = 0 is assumed.
Step 2: Determination of the relevant occupancy rate of the conflict area OCCr
Here, three cases are distinguished:
Case 1: Right turn movements without bicycle conflicts or left turn movements from one-
way roads
In this case, the following applies:
OCCr = OCCpedg
Decisive for left turns from one-way roads is, that there is no opposite vehicle flow.
Case 2: Right turn movements with bicycle conflicts
Here, straight turns of bicyclists are assumed.
Here, vbicg is the bicycle flow rate, vbic is the bicycle volume, C is the cycle time of the
signal control, g is the effective green time of the lane group, and OCCbicg is the conflict
area's occupancy rate caused by bicyclists.
Case 3: Other left turn movements
These are left turn movements which do not originate from a one-way road. Here, a
distinction of cases is made for the values gq and gp. gq is the clearing time of the vehicle
flow on the opposite leg, and gp is the green time for the conflicting pedestrians. The
following applies
gp = max(g1p, g2p)
Case 3a: gq ≥ gp
In this case, the calculation is shortened and the following applies
fLpb = 1.0
Pedestrians and bicyclists are irrelevant here, since the left turn movements have to
wait until the vehicle flow on the opposite leg is cleared.
Case 3b: gq < gp
The following applies
Here, OCCpedu is the occupancy rate of pedestrians after the clearance of the vehicle
flow on the opposite leg, and OCCpedg is the pedestrians occupancy rate.
Step 3: Determination of the adjustment factors for pedestrians and bicyclists on permitted
turns ApbT
Here, two cases are distinguished with regard to the values Nturn – which is the number of
lanes per turn – and Nrec, which is the number of lanes per destination leg.
Case 1: Nrec = Nturn
Here applies ApbT = 1 - OCCr
Case 2: Nrec > Nturn
Here, vehicles have the chance to give way to pedestrians and bicyclists. The following
applies
ApbT = 1 - 0.6 • OCCr
Step 4: Determination of the adjustment factors for the saturation flow rates for pedestrians
and bicyclists fLpb und fRpb.
fLpb is the adjustment factor for left turns, and fRpb is the adjustment factor for right turns. The
following applies:
fRpb = 1 - PRT • (1 - ApbT) • (1 - PRTA)
fLpb = 1 - PLT • (1 - ApbT) • (1 - PLTA)
PRT and PLT represent the proportions of right turn and left turn movements in the lane group,
and PRTA and PLTA code the permitted shares in the right and left turn movements (each
referring to the total number of right turn and left turn movements of the lane group).
1.0 Up to 300
6.0 1000+
These saturation flow rates can be over-ridden by the user based on local values, if
applicable.
intersection volume/capacity ratio (see J. Gould, “Comparing the 1985 HCM and the ICU
Methodologies”, ITE Journal, August 1990), and no PCE factors are applied.
Jurisdictions using this method may use different assumed saturation flows per lane. The
default saturation flows per lane for the ICU method have been set in Vistro to 1600
veh/hr/lane; however, this value can be over-ridden by users.
Two ICU methods are included in Vistro. One method adds the percentage loss time per
cycle to the V/S ratio. The other multiplies the V/S ratio by the percentage loss time.
ICU1 is commonly used. The lost time for this method is expressed as a percentage of cycle
length. The overall intersection V/C for this method is calculated as follows:
V Loss
ICU 1 = +
S Cycle
where:
ICU1 = ICU Method No. 1.
V/S = sum of critical movement volume /saturation ratios.
Cycle = cycle length in seconds.
Loss = total intersection loss time in seconds.
The ICU2 is based on material contained in an ITE Journal article in August 1990 by J.
Gould. The equation is as follows:
where:
ICU2 = ICU Method No. 2.
V/S = sum of critical movement volume /saturation ratios.
Cycle = cycle length in seconds.
Loss = total intersection loss time in seconds.
The results of the two methods are similar, and the choice will depend upon which method
has been accepted by local jurisdictions.
The intersection LOS is determined from the V/C ranges shown in Table 27: Intersection
Level of Service (LOS) for ICU Methods.
The standard values for gaps differ due to changed visibility conditions. Also this
calculation is performed on the basis of lanes, not on the basis of turns.
With this method it is assumed that only one-leg and two-leg approaches exist.
Furthermore it is also assumed that the circulating roadway does not have more than two
lanes.
The calculation process is illustrated by Figure 58: HCM 2010 Roundabout Methodology:
The calculation method according to HCM 2010 consists of twelve consecutive steps. Here,
the description is reduced to the most critical steps.
Step 2: Calculating traffic flows for each lane and conflicting volumes for each
approach
All calculations are based on the traffic flows and conflicting volumes at each approach.
These flows are derived from the turn volumes (in Figure 59: Approach flows at a four-leg
roundabout) for a roundabout with four approaches designated with v1 to v12):
For the distribution of the volumes to the lanes please refer to HCM 2010, pages 21-14 and
21-15.
Example
The flow from the south is the sum of turn volumes v7 + v8 + v9. The conflicting flow which
applies to this flow is however the sum v1 + v2 + v10. This approach can be applied to
roundabouts with a countless number of approaches. U-turns can also be considered in the
same way, if you want to integrate them in the capacity calculation.
If an approach has more than one lane, the total inflow is distributed on lanes.
1. If only one lane is permitted for left turns, its volume is the sum of all volumes of left
turns.
2. If only one lane is permitted for right turns, its volume is the sum of all volumes of right
turns.
3. The remaining volume is distributed to all lanes in such way, that they all have the same
volume if possible.
Step 3: Capacity
The capacity of an approach depends on various factors: the number of lanes per approach,
the number of lanes in the roundabout, and whether a lane is a bypass lane. For each of the
cases, predefined formulas can be used (HCM 2010, equations 21-1 to 21-7). This is the
basic formula:
c = 1130 * e-Bv
Here, B equals 0.001 for one-lane and two-lane entry roads to single-lane roundabouts, and
for single-lane approaches to two-lane roundabouts the value is 0.0007. Two-lane
approaches to two-lane roundabouts use the following values for B: 0.00075 for the inner-
most (left) lane, and 0.0007 for the outer (right) lane. For bypass lanes with only one
conflicting exit lane the value 0.001 is used, whereas 0.0007 is used if there are two
conflicting exit lanes.
Users with detailed knowledge of critical gaps and follow-up times can replace these
formulas. For the control type ‚roundabout‘, critical gap and follow-up time are set by lane.
Turn-related values of this attribute are not regarded. For the extended computation, the
capacity is derived from the following data (HCM 2010, page 33-3):
c = Ae-Bv
where
C= capacity in PCU/h
Vistro uses the following standard values: 4 s for the critical gap and 3 s for the follow-up
time. You can optionally overwrite both values by lane.
Pedestrians have an impact on capacity. For a detailed description, please refer to HCM
2010, pages 21-16 and 21-17.
To the turns, the approach capacity is distributed in proportion to the volume.
T= observation period in h
The mean delay of a turn is the volume-weighted mean of the mean delay of lanes used.
where
T= observation period in h
A 0 – 10
B > 10 – 15
C > 15 – 25
D > 25 – 35
E > 35 – 50
F > 50
The HCM does not determine the calculation of the LOS per approach, turn or intersection.
In these cases Vistro calculates the LOS on the basis of the volume-weighted mean delay. If
the volume exceeds the capacity, the LOS is automatically set to F.
study of numerous roundabouts and the statistical adjustment of a model which estimates
capacities in dependency of the geometry. On the basis of numerous observations, this
function was calibrated to British roundabouts, however the method is applied by some to
applications in North America and other regions.
Process shows the calculation process for roundabouts according to the TRL/Kimber
method:
In Vistro, the geometry input parameters used with the TRL/Kimber method are described
through in the intersection setup table after selecting roundabout as the control type. In order
for the Kimber method to be active for analysis, the analysis method in the roundabout
intersection setup table must be set to Kimber. This section describes the relevant Vistro
geometry parameters to the Kimber method. The definitions of these parameters are
illustrated in Figure 61: Description of the Node Geometry for the TRL/Kimber model, which
has been taken from the DMRB guideline TD 16/93. For a better comparison with this
guideline, the common English original attributes and abbreviations are specified in Table 29:
Geometric input attributes according to Kimber method.
Lane Width Not explicitly used in the Kimber calculation, but used to calculate entry width ft or m
(see below).
Width of the travel lane. Default = 12 ft (3.7 m), Range = any real number
No. of Not explicitly used in the Kimber calculation, but used to calculate entry width
Lanes in (see below).
Pocket See Section 8.1 Intersection Setup (Geometry) on page 49 for full definition.
Entry Lane Width of the approach directly at entry across all lanes. ft or m
Width Default = sum of the approach lane widths.
Entry (R) Radius of the entry on the specified approach. More specifically the radius ft or m
Radius which tangentially approximates to the outer circle of the roundabout and the
outer boundary of the approach.
Default = 50 ft (15.2 m); Range = 0 - 500 ft (152.4 m)
Entry Angle (Φ) Acute angle measured between the projected tangential path of an entering degrees
vehicle and the path of a circulating vehicle.
Default = 45 degrees; Range = 0 – 180 degrees
Approach (V) Road width of the approach without any turn pockets. ft or m
Half Width Default = 10 ft (3.1 m); Range = 5 - 50 ft (1.5 - 15.2 m)
Flare (L‘) Half of the Length of the approach segment between the points where Entry ft or m
Length Lane Width and Approach Half Width are measured.
Default = 60 ft (18.3 m); Range = 3 – 60 ft (0.9 – 18.3 m)
Grade (SEP) Distance between approach and exit of the same node leg. For regular ft or m
Separation roundabouts specify 0 ft. With values > 0 you describe the approaches at
expanded roundabouts where the approach is far away from the exit of the same
leg.
Default = 0; Range = 0 - 300 ft (91.4 m)
Inscribed (D) External diameter of the roundabout. For asymmetric roundabouts specify ft or m
Circle the radius related to the environment of the specified approach.
Diameter Default = 75 ft; Range = 32.8 – 656.2 ft (10 – 200 m)
Figure 61: Description of the Node Geometry for the TRL/Kimber model
An additional required input for the Kimber method is the KimberHollis c-factor
(KVKimberHollisC). This factor is used to calibrate the temporal variability of the inflow. This
parameter is input in the Roundabout/Kimber control table under the parameter “KimberHollis
c-factor”.
Once the above parameters have been defined, the Kimber method is calculated per the
following steps.
where
Cap = approach capacity in PCU/h
qc = conflicting flow in PCU/h
k = 1 - 0,00347 • (Φ - 30 ) - 0,978 • [(1/r) - 0.05]
F = 303 x
f = 0.21 t (1 + 0.2 x)
t = 1 + .5 / (1 + M)
M = e(D - 60)/10
x = v + (e - v) / (1 + 2 S)
S = 1.6 (e - v) / L‘
The remaining variable descriptions refer to the attributes of the geometry description found
in Table 29: Geometric input attributes according to Kimber method.
For the case of roundabouts with RDistanceExit > 0, the following capacity calculation
applies:
Cap =1.004F - 0.036SEP - 0.232 qc + 14.35 - f qc(2.14 - 0.023 qc)
where all sizes as above, however Cap and qc in PCU/min.
The resultant approach capacity is written to the capacity parameter in PCU/h found in the
control table.
where
L = expected queue length at the end of the observation period in PC units
µ = approach capacity in PCU/h
Step 4: Delays
The mean control-based wait time per approach results from the Kimber and Hollis formula
(Kimber, Hollis 1979), (Kimber, Daly 1986).
where
d = mean permitted delay in the observation period in s/PCU
µ = Approach capacity in PCU/h
T = length of the observation period in h
L0 = initial queue length (in Vistro always 0)
C = Variation factor KVKimberHollisC
v = approach volume in PCU/h
ρ = v / µ = Saturation
The mean permitted delay an approach and is saved in the parameter Delay. Vistro
evaluates, like in Step 3, the increased accuracy modified formula by Kimber and Hollis.
Table 30: LOS Based on the Kimber Mean Delay and HCM Unsignalized Thresholds
LOS Mean Delay (s/PCU)
A 0 - 10
B >10 - 15
C >15 - 25
D >25 - 35
E >35 - 50
sF >50
Table 31: Level-of-Service (LOS) Criteria for the TWSC Intersection Analysis
Control Delay LOS by Volume-to-Capacity Ratio
0 – 10 A F
> 10 – 15 B F
> 15 – 25 C F
> 25 – 35 D F
> 35 – 50 E F
> 50 F F
This part of the manual describes the details on the TWSC intersection capacity analysis;
however, for further details on each computation step, it is recommended to refer to HCM
2010 Chapter 19. Most of the TWSC intersection can be analyzed correctly with the
exception of accounting for upstream traffic signals, which will be incorporated in Vistro in the
future.
The TWSC intersection capacity analysis consists of five (5) steps as illustrated in Figure 62:
HCM TWSC Analysis Methodology.
The following subsections provide the details on each computation step for the TWSC
intersection capacity analysis with HCM 2010.
4-leg intersection:
3-leg intersection:
Step 2: Demand Flow Rate Calculation and Conflicting Flow Rate Determination
For analysis of existing traffic conditions, peak 15-minute flow rate is converted to peak 15-
minute demand flow rate by:#
𝑉𝑖
𝑣𝑖 =
𝑃𝐻𝐹
Where
vi = demand flow rate for movement i (veh/h)
NOTE: In HCM 2000, U-turns were not taken into consideration. If HCM 2000 needs to
be used for the TWSC analysis, disregard U-turns.
Starting from base critical and follow-up headways, different adjustments which are specific
to each movement are made:
𝑡𝑐,𝑥 = 𝑡𝑐,𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 + 𝑡𝑐,𝐻𝑉 𝑃𝐻𝑉 + 𝑡𝑐,𝐺 𝐺 − 𝑡3,𝐿𝑇
𝑡𝑓,𝑥 = 𝑡𝑓,𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 + 𝑡𝑓,𝐻𝑉 𝑃𝐻𝑉
Where
tc,x = critical headway for movement x (s);
tf,x = follow-up headway for movement x (s)
tc,base = base critical headway (s);
tf,base = base follow-up headway (s);
tc,HV = adjustment factor for heavy vehicles (1.0 for major street with one lane in each
direction; 2.0 for major streets with two or three lanes in each direction) (s);
tf,HV = adjustment factor for heavy vehicles (0.9 for major streets with one lane in each
direction, 1.0 for major streets with two or three lanes in each direction);
PHV = proportion of heavy vehicles for movement (expressed as a decimal);
tc,G = adjustment factor for grade (0.1 for right-turn movement from minor-street; 0.2 for left-
turn and thru movement from minor-street)
G = percent grade (%); and
t3,LT = adjustment factor for intersection geometry (0.7 for minor-street left-turn movement at
T-intersections; 0.0 otherwise) (s).
NOTE: In HCM 2000, Critical gap and Follow-up time are used instead of Critical
headway and Follow-up headway.
Where
cp,x = potential capacity of movement x (veh/h)
vc,x = conflicting flow rate for movement x (veh/h)
tc,x = critical headway for minor movement x (s)
tf,x = follow-up headway for minor movement x (s)
Rank 1 major-street movements are assumed to be unimpeded by any other movements
with lower rank and also are not required to compute potential capacity. However, the
potential capacity for the movements which are categorized as Rank 2, 3, and 4 needs to be
computed and adjusted with factors which incorporates following aspects:
Probability of queue free state for selected movement
Pedestrian impedance
Table 34:Capacity Adjustment Factors shows the list of equations which can be used to
compute the capacity adjustment factor for each movement except for Rank 1 movements.
Note that the Rank1 movements are assumed to be experiencing zero-delay; therefore,
Vistro will not provide a capacity data for Rank 1 movements. In addition to capacity
adjustment factor for each movement, the adjustment factors for the pedestrian impedance
are computed as necessary.
𝑣𝑗
U-turn from Major 𝑓𝑈 = 𝑝0𝑗, = 1 −
2 𝑐𝑚,𝑗
𝑣𝑗
Thru on Minor 𝑓𝑘 = ∏ 𝑝0,𝑗 = ∏ (1 − )
3 𝑐𝑚,𝑗
𝑗 𝑗
𝑝′′ 𝑣𝑗
Left-turn from Minor
4 𝑓𝑙 = (𝑝′ )(𝑝0,𝑗 ) = (0.65𝑝′′ − ′′
+ 0.6√𝑝′′) (1 − )
𝑝 +3 𝑐𝑚,𝑗
𝑤
(𝑣𝑥 ) (
Pedestrian Impedance
N/A 𝑆𝑝 )
𝑓𝑝𝑏 =
3,600
where,
f = capacity adjustment factor j = rank 2 movement
k = rank 3 movement l = rank 4 movement
vj = flow rate of movement (veh/hr) Cm,j = movement capacity of movement j
P0,j = Probability of queue-free state for conflicting movement
p’ = Adjustment to the major-street left, minor-street through impedance factor
p’’ = (p0,j)(po,k)
Where
cm,x = capacity of the shared lane (veh/h)
cp,x = flow rate of the y movement in the subject shared lane (veh/h)
cm,y = movement capacity of the y movement in the subject shared lane (veh/h)
The capacity calculation so far assumes that each movement operates on exclusive lanes.
When more than one movement shares the same lane (shared lane), the combined capacity
of the shared lane is calculated:
∑𝑦 𝑣𝑦
𝑐𝑆𝐻 = 𝑣
∑𝑦 ( 𝑦 )
𝑐𝑚,𝑦
Where
CSH = capacity of the shared lane (veh/h)
vy = flow rate of the y movement in the subject shared lane (veh/h)
cm,y = movement capacity of the y movement in the subject shared lane (veh/h)
3600 𝑣
3600 𝑣𝑥 𝑣
2 (𝑐 ) (𝑐 𝑥 )
− 1 + √(
𝑥 𝑚,𝑥 𝑚,𝑥
𝑑= + 900𝑇 − 1) + +5
𝑐𝑚,𝑥 𝑐𝑚,𝑥 𝑐𝑚,𝑥 450𝑇
[ ]
Where
d = control delay (s/veh) vx = flow rate for movement x (veh/h)
cm,x = capacity of movement x (veh/h), T = analysis time period (h)
Once the delay for each movement is estimated, the delay data for the approach and the
intersection can be computed as the weighted average of the control delay for each
movement.
As stated earlier, Rank 1 movements are assumed to experience zero-delay. However, there
are cases when left-turn vehicles on major-street are blocking through and right-turn
movement on major-street (Rank 1 movements). Therefore, it is necessary to have additional
equation to capture the delay of the Rank 1 vehicles which are blocked by lower rank
vehicles. The average delay to Rank 1 is computed:
∗ 𝑣𝑖,1
(1 − 𝑝0,𝑗 )𝑑𝑀,𝐿𝑇 ( 𝑁 )
𝑑𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑘1 ={ 𝑁>1
𝑣𝑖,1 + 𝑣𝑖,2
∗
(1 − 𝑝0,𝑗 )𝑑𝑀,𝐿𝑇 𝑁=1
Where
dRank1 = delay to Rank 1 vehicles (s/veh)
N = number of through lanes per direction on major street
p*0,j = proportion of Rank 1 vehicles nor blocked
dM,LT = delay to major left-turning vehicles
vi,1 = major-street through vehicles in shared lane (veh/h)
vi,2 = major-street turning vehicles in shared lane (veh/h)
Queue length is one of the important measures of effectiveness for unsignalized
intersections.
The 95th percentile queue length for the minor movement at TWSC intersection during the
15-minute peak period is estimated:#
3600 𝑣
𝑣𝑐 𝑣
2 (𝑐 ) (𝑐 𝑥 ) 𝑐
− 1 + √(
𝑥 𝑚,𝑥 𝑚,𝑥 𝑚,𝑥
𝑄95 ≈ 900𝑇 − 1) + ( )
𝑐𝑚,𝑥 𝑐𝑚,𝑥 150𝑇 3600
[ ]
Q95 = 95th percentile queue (veh) vx = flow rate for movement x (veh/h)
cm,x = capacity of movement x (veh/h), T = analysis time period (h)
0 – 10 A F
> 10 – 15 B F
> 15 – 25 C F
> 25 – 35 D F
> 35 – 50 E F
> 50 F F
This part of the manual describes the details on the AWSC intersection capacity analysis;
however, for further details on each computation step, it is recommended to refer to HCM
2010 Chapter 20. The AWSC intersection capacity analysis is consist of five (5) steps as
illustrated in Table 36: AWSC Analysis Methodology.
The following subsections provide the details on each computation step for the AWSC
intersection capacity analysis with HCM 2010.
𝑉𝑖
𝑣𝑖 =
𝑃𝐻𝐹
Where
vi = demand flow rate for movement i (veh/h)
Vi = demand volume for movement i (veh/h)
PHF = peak hour factor
Unlike the other control types, the AWSC intersection analysis requires lane-by-lane data for
further analysis. Therefore, for multilane approaches, the flow rate for each lane needs to be
determined. Typically an equal distribution of volume among lanes can be assumed unless
there are lane utilization data available.
Degree of utilization
Saturation headway
where
hadj = headway adjustment factor (s) PLT = proportion of left-turning
vehicles
hLT,adj = headway adjustment for left-turns (s) PRT = proportion of right-turning
vehicles
hRT,adj = headway adjustment for right-turns (s) PHV = proportion of heavy vehicles
Saturation headway adjustments for left-turns, right-turns, and heavy vehicles are shown in
Table 38: Saturation Headway Adjustments by Geometry Group.
Degree of utilization
With the lane flow rate from previous step and the assumed or calculated departure
headway, the degree of utilization is computed:
𝑣ℎ𝑑
𝑥=
3,600
where
x = degree of utilization v = demand flow rate for each lane (veh/h)
hd = departure headway (s, initial departure headway is 3.2 s)
where
P(i) = probability for combination i
P(aj) = probability of degree-of-conflict (DOC) for specific combination (i) and lane type
(j)
aj = vehicle's presence on selected lane (1 or 0)
1 0 0
0 0 1
1 >0 xj
0 >0 1-xj
Table 40: Probability of Degree of Conflict Case (Two-Lane Approaches) presents the
possible combinations of lane occupancies for two-lane approaches. A 1 indicates that a
vehicle is occupying the lane and a 0 indicates that the lane is empty.
NOTE: For the AWSC intersection analysis for three-lanes approaches, refer to the
methodology in HCM 2010 Chapter 32 (32-42). HCM 2000 is not capable of analyze
more than two-lane approaches.
For the AWSC intersection analysis for three lanes approaches (only with HCM 2010), refer
to the methodology for three-lane approaches in HCM 2010 Chapter 32 (32-42).
35 1 1 0 0 1 1
36 4 0 0 1 1 1 1
37 1 1 1 1 0 0
38 0 1 0 1 0 1
39 1 0 0 1 1 0
40 0 1 1 0 1 0
41 0 1 0 1 1 0
3
42 0 1 1 0 0 1
43 1 0 1 0 0 1
44 1 0 0 1 0 1
45 1 0 1 0 1 0
46 1 0 0 1 1 1
47 0 1 1 1 1 0
48 0 1 1 1 0 1
49 1 0 1 0 1 1
50 1 0 1 1 1 0
51 5 0 1 0 1 1 1
4
52 1 1 1 0 0 1
53 1 0 1 1 0 1
54 0 1 1 0 1 1
55 1 1 0 1 1 0
56 1 1 0 1 0 1
57 1 1 1 0 1 0
58 1 0 1 1 1 1
59 1 1 0 1 1 1
60 1 1 1 0 1 1
5
61 0 1 1 1 1 1
62 1 1 1 1 1 0
63 1 1 1 1 0 1
64 6 1 1 1 1 1 1
𝑃(𝐶1 ) = 𝑃(1)
𝑃(𝐶2 ) = ∑ 𝑃(𝑖)
𝑖=2
10
𝑃(𝐶3 ) = ∑ 𝑃(𝑖)
𝑖=5
37
𝑃(𝐶4 ) = ∑ 𝑃(𝑖)
𝑖=11
64
𝑃(𝐶5 ) = ∑ 𝑃(𝑖)
𝑖=38
𝛼[𝑃(𝐶5 ) − 6𝑃(𝐶4 )]
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑃(11) through AdjP(37) =
27
−𝛼[10𝑃(𝐶5 )]
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑃(38) through AdjP(64) =
27
where
α = 0.01 (or 0.00 if correlation among saturation headways is not taken into account)
Saturation headway
The saturation headway is computed by summing up the base saturation headway and
headway adjustment factor.
where
hsi = saturation headway (s)
hbase = base saturation headway (s)
hadj = saturation headway adjustment factor (s)
ℎ𝑑 = ∑ 𝑃′(𝑖) ℎ𝑠𝑖
𝑖=1
The calculated values of the departure headway for each approach are compared with the
initial values and if the values changed by more than 0.1 s, Step 3 needs to be repeated until
the calculated values of departure headway for each lane converge.
𝑡𝑠 = ℎ𝑑 − 𝑚
Where
ts = service time (s)
hd = departure headway (s)
m = move-up time (s, 2.0s for Geometry group 1 through 4; 2.3 s for Geometry group 5 and
6)
ℎ𝑑 𝑥
𝑑 = 𝑡𝑠 + 900𝑇 [(𝑥 − 1)2 + √(𝑥 − 1)2 + ]+5
450𝑇
where
d = average control delay (s/veh) x = degree of utilization
ts = service time (s) hd = departure headway (s)
T = length of analysis period (h)
Then, the control delay for each approach and intersection is calculated by computing a
volume-weighted average on each lane or approach.
Queue length is one of the important measures of effectiveness for unsignalized
intersections.
The 95th percentile queue length for the minor movement at the AWSC intersection during
the 15-minute peak period can be estimated:
900𝑇 ℎ𝑑 𝑥
𝑄95 ≈ [(𝑥 − 1) + √(𝑥 − 1)2 + ]
ℎ𝑑 150𝑇
Where
Q95 = 95th percentile queue length (veh)
16 Vistro Shortcuts
Vistro provides you with shortcuts to further assist in building and evaluating your networks.
Shortcuts are provided for navigating through the Network Window as well as entering data
in the Workflow steps.
Zoom-in to rectangular window Shift + mouse click and drag Defines rectangular zoom
Zoom out Scroll center mouse wheel backward Zooms network out
Insert Intersection Right-click and select Insert Intersection and Inserts chosen intersection
choose intersection type (Signalized, All-Way type at that location in the
Stop, Two-Way Stop, Roundabout, Unknown) network
Insert Zone Right-click and select Insert Zone Inserts Zone at that location in
the network
Insert Gate Right-click and select Insert Gate Inserts Gate at that location in
the network
Insert Multiple Nodes Select node type from toolbox (Intersection, Allows for quick insertion of
Zone, Gate), press and hold CTRL key on multiple nodes of the same
keyboard and left-click to place nodes type , without having to reselect
from tool box
De-select current toolbox Press Esc key on keyboard De-selects toolbox selection
selection
Delete network item Select item by mouse-click, and press Delete Allows for quick deletion of
key on keyboard network items
Move across data entry rows Tab Allows for quick editing of table
from left to right rows
Select multiple cells across Shift + Arrow keys Allows for quick selection of
table rows
multiple cells across rows
Multi-Edit Click and drag across multiple cells in a row; Replaces current cell value with
enter value in subsequent Multi-Edit cell value entered in Multi-Edit cell
Access drop-down menus Tab to cell and press space bar Allows for expansion of drop-
down menus
18 Index
Additional Base Condition 11 LOS Analysis Methods 155
Additional Scenarios 148 Manage Multiple Scenarios 14
Analyze Queues and Spillbacks 14 Menu Bar 27
Background Maps and Images 38 Mitigation 126
Base Scenario 147 by Scenario 149
Bing™ Maps 24 Mitigations 16
drawing 37 MUTCD 2009 25
Calculate Intersection Level of Network 25
Service 14 drawing 36
Circular 212 24 Network size 15
Common Parameters 49 New 23, 27, 29, 30, 31
critical movement volume 179 Open 27
cycle length 179 Optimize Signal Timing 14
Documentation 15 Overview 14
Drawing the Network 36 Print Report 27
Evaluate the impacts of New Program Documentation 15
Developments 14 PTV Vissim Export 152
Exit 27 PTV Visum Export 151
Export 27, 151 PTV Visum Import 151
to Vissim Microsimulation 13 Quick Start 11
File Structure 23 Quick-Vissim Tool
Future Condition 11 View Animation 13
Genetic Algorithm 109 Reporting by Scenario 149
Geometry 49, 186 Report-Ready Tables and Figures 14
Getting Started 23 Reports 128
Global Settings 34 Formats 24
Graphical Reports 140 Roundabouts 55
Graphics Selector 31 Save 27
Hardware Requirements 22 Save As 27
HCM 2010/2000 24 Scenario Management
ICU 24, 179 User defined scenarios 24
Import 27, 151 Scenarios
Installation 17 Limits 16
Intersection 25 Service and Support 210
Intersection approaches 15 Shortcuts
Intersection Setup (Geometry) 49 Network Window 208
Intersections Workflow Task Table 209
Level of Service Report 132 Signal Optimization 12
Introduction 14 Signal Timing Optimization 25
Kimber 24 Signal Warrants Analysis 25
Lane Configuration 142 Signal Warrants Report 135
Limits 15 Signals 52
Administrator privileges 17 Limits 16
Hardware Requirements 22 LOS Analysis Method 155
System Requirements 21 Software Overview 14
LOS Analysis Method Starting Vistro 23
Roundabouts 180