McByte. TSIS 5.1 Released with Many New Features. Read about the... HCMWeb Board... see page 4

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1 Moving Technology Volume 27 Spring 2003 Newsletter TSIS 5.1 Released with Many New Features by Peter Holm, TSIS Task Leader, ITT Industries The Traffic Software Integrated System (TSIS) software package offers many improvements to version 5.0 including a tool that runs CORSIM multiple times and collects statistics and writes them to Excel files or comma separated files. In addition to the TSIS installation package, a directory has been added to the CD that includes the files necessary to view and animate traffic networks using TRAFVU. This directory may be copied by licensed users and distributed to non-licensed individuals for the purpose of viewing networks and animating vehicles, signals, and MOE using files created by a licensed user of the package. The TRAFVU Viewer directory contains a special license and instructional files for distributing TRAFVU as a Viewer. New features for each of the TSIS components are described in the following sections. Read about the... HCMWeb Board... see page 4 McTrans Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering PO Box Gainesville FL (352) Toll Free Fax (352) mctrans@ce.ufl.edu UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA McByte New Products 5 Updated Products 7 Did you know? 11 Advertising Directory 12 Products Listing 26 Conference & Training Calendar 36

2 2 TShell The Project view now provides the capability of sorting the project tree either by the names of the items on the tree or by the modified dates of the files associated with the tree items. Project View properties can now be specified. These properties include the tree sort parameter and order, whether files deleted via the tree are sent to the recycle bin, and whether TShell displays confirmation dialogs for tree operations. The Output View properties include background color and text font, size, and color. Improved tool management changes include the ability to define and use multiple tools of the same component. The Script Tool provides improved interfaces for better interaction with TShell and for running CORSIM. The Script Tool User's Guide includes a new, detailed Reference Manual for the functions defined by these new interfaces. TSIS 5.1 includes seven sample Visual Basic scripts that use the new Script Tool interfaces and that demonstrate the new capabilities of the CORSIM component, including multiple runs and extraction of data from output files. CORSIM CORSIM now provides its own interface and driver software, separate from TShell. In addition to the user interface, the CORSIM driver provides access to a new output data processor. The output processor enables the user to accumulate user-selected statistics and summary data during multiple runs of CORSIM. It writes the collected data to an Excel workbook, a commaseparated file, and/or a tab separated file. CORSIM can now simulate much larger traffic networks than before. Internal nodes can now be numbered from 1 to 6999 where previously they could only be numbered up to The maximum link length in NETSIM has been increased from 4000 feet to 9999 feet. CORSIM can now run simultaneously on multiple test cases in the same directory. A new flag is available on RT 2 (entry 3, column 16) to force CORSIM to use the maximum initialization time. Logic for determining if a vehicle would join spillback was improved. Control delay is now aggregated over all turn movements in the simulation output table. Moving Technology If it s not on our web site... ( It s on Us! Call McTrans Toll Free: Tech Assistance Orders Product & Seminar Information

3 3 Anticipatory lane change inputs are now echoed to the output file. Exit interface links can now be specified as destinations on Record Type 74. Error checking has been improved. Numerous software corrections have been implemented. TRAFVU A directory has been added to the CD that includes the files necessary to view and animate traffic networks using TRAFVU. This directory may be copied by licensed users and distributed to non-licensed individuals for the purpose of viewing networks and animating vehicles, signals, and MOE using files created by a licensed user of the package. The TRAFVU Viewer directory contains a special license and instructional files for distributing TRAFVU as a Viewer. TRAFVU now displays the bitmap background used by TRAFED. When exporting the TRAFED network to a CORSIM input (.TRF) file, TRAFED writes the bitmap information to the.trf file. From the Display menu and a corresponding toolbar button, the user can toggle the display of the background bitmap. TRAFVU now displays link names on the network map next to links that have entries on record type 10 in the.trf file. From the Display menu and a corresponding toolbar button, the user can toggle the display of the link names. Using the Preferences dialog, the user can control the color, size, and placement of the link names on the network map. TRAFVU now maintains application and window settings for a user between TRAFVU sessions. Each user can have different preference settings. Application-level preferences include: dynamic scrolling, tool tip display, and APC window settings (including size and placement). Window-level preferences include: object display button settings, vehicle color and detail properties, background color, link name settings, and window component (toolbar, legend, status bar) display preferences. The user can now control the display of warning and HOV signs using the Warning Sign item on the Display menu or the corresponding toolbar button. It is now possible to right click on an entry link to display its attributes, e.g., entry volume. The Zoom Capture and Set dialog have been modified to allow specifying a file to which window coordinates are saved or from which they are retrieved. This allows the user to save multiple sets of coordinates for a single or multiple cases. TRAFVU can now load cases (.TRF files) from write-protected directories/drives and from CD-ROM. Logic has been added to control whether links are animated above or below intersections. TRAFED Range checking and default settings have been improved. The user can now scroll past the edge of the existing network using the scroll buttons. A new distance-measuring tool has been added to the toolbar, allowing the user to easily check the scale of a bitmap image. The bitmap may be turned on and off with a button on the toolbar. The TRF file can be sorted during export so that most of the records are sorted by their first two fields. Link splitting has been improved and no longer resets the signal controllers. Numerous bugs have been fixed. Turning volumes present in the TRF file are now preserved during translation to TNO file format. TSIS 5.1 was distributed automatically to registered users of TSIS 5.0. Contact McTrans for additional details.

4 4 IF IT S NOT IN THE HCM2000, WHAT NEXT? THE HCM WEBBOARD! by Barbara K. Ostrom, Senior Engineer, MACTEC Looking for opinions or information on a highway capacity or quality-of-service issue that you don t normally encounter? Want to know if that equation is really right or just has a typo? A place exists to post your query for hundreds of people to see and give you the benefit of their experience. It s the HCM WebBoard (gulliver.trb.org/webboard/hcm), a service of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the TRB Committee on Highway Capacity and Quality of Service (hcqs). Established January 2001, the WebBoard now has more than 800 members from over 50 countries and 5 continents who are looking for your input when they have questions. What is a WebBoard and what can it do for me? A webboard is an open forum for individuals to review messages, post queries and receive replies and information on issues of interest to them. Want to find out how U-turns affect intersection analysis, what the capacity of a tunnel is, or how to do single lane analysis of an HOV lane? Somebody s already asked the question on this WebBoard. This is an outreach effort of the hcqs to encourage discussion on highway capacity and quality-of-service in general and the HCM2000 in particular within the highway planning and transportation engineering professions. It provides a place to ask questions that may not be in the manual and take advantage of other people s experiences. The HCM WebBoard serves four basic purposes: Provides a place for individuals doing capacity and quality-of-service work to ask questions of others involved in the field in a public forum Serves as a contact point with the hcqs to provide feedback on HCM2000 Distributes information on HCM errata and updates to users who have requested that information Solicits input via the queries made to improve the HCM of the future With the exception of the Errata section, the content of the WebBoard is solely the opinion of the authors of the comments. It does not represent an official position taken by the hcqs although the hcqs, through its moderators does reserve the right to remove postings that have nothing to do with highway capacity or quality of service issues. The WebBoard is subdivided into sections that match the structure of the HCM 2000 and the activities of the hcqs. Topics on the WebBoard include Registration, Feedback HCM 2000, Feedback CD Software, Errata, FAQ, Signalized Intersections, Unsignalized Intersections, Arterials, Interchanges, Freeways, 2-Lane Roads, Ped Bike Transit, Planning, Concepts and Models, Research and Task Forces. The Registration section is for registering your copy of HCM2000. Users who register will be notified of errata and changes to the manual, a simple way to be sure you can keep your manual up to date. The Errata section links you to the most recent revisions to the manual. Changes made through the January 2003 meeting of the hcqs are now available. Each of the remaining sections has one or more topics, posted by users and replied to by individuals from all over the world. You can keep track of what s going on by having the WebBoard notify you automatically by when new postings are made to any topic that interests you. All users are strongly encouraged to register for the mailings from Registration and Errata for automatic updates changes. How do I participate? The first thing to do is log on to gulliver.trb.org/webboard/hcm (and no there is no www in front of that address.) Individuals may participate as members or guests. Members have the ability to post (write) messages for others to respond to. Guests can only read what other people have said. Membership in the HCM WebBoard is open to everyone and you are encouraged to register both with the site and your copy of the HCM. What about software? The site is not intended as a place to ask questions about software. Neither TRB nor the hcqs reviews, approves or endorses any software implementation of the HCM. The CD Software feedback area of the WebBoard is for the CD on which the HCM2000 was distributed, not HCS2000. Users seeking further information on a piece of software should contact the relevant vendor or developer. Developers who would like to have a link to their site for HCM WebBoard users should contact Abdul-Rahman Hamad (ahamad@pbsj.com). What next? If you re interested in highway capacity and quality-of-service, keep in touch. Contribute to the WebBoard, we re always looking for more input to the questions posed. If you d like to become involved with the hcqs, it meets twice a year, the TRB Annual meeting and at a summer meeting that this year will be held in Atlanta, July If you d like more information on the hcqs itself, please check out

5 5 PRESYNCHRO/TEAPAC PRESYNCHRO/TEAPAC from Strong Concepts prepares input for and runs SYNCHRO-5 using the standard TEAPAC graphical dialogs for each signal in the arterial or network. All the information that is needed by SYNCHRO is coded automatically, including the always-complex signal timing and phasing information. The resulting SYNCHRO input can also be used to run its companion SIMTRAFFIC simulation and animation. Complete networks built in SYNCHRO can be imported into PRESYNCHRO so they can be further analyzed by other programs such as SIGNAL2000 for true-hcm capacity analysis and HCM-optimization, PRETRANSYT/TRANSYT-7F for time-proven network simulation and optimization, PRENETSIM/CORSIM and VISSIM for robust, validated simulation and animation. Level 1 (#TPCPSY.1) handles up to 12 intersections and costs $495 for a site license. Level 2 (#TPCPSY.2) handles up to 100 intersections and offers a Subsystem feature for $695. Larger sizes are available. If the individual operation of each signal in the arterial or network is designed with SIGNAL2000, and coordinated timings are designed with programs like PREPASSR/PASSER-II and PRETRANSYT/TRANSYT-7F, then PRESYNCHRO can use these data files directly so SYNCHRO results can be generated without any additional data input. This produces colorful, on-screen graphics and animations with SYNCHRO/SIMTRAFFIC. If the offsets or other timings are optimized by SYNCHRO, the changed timings can be imported back into PRESYNCHRO for assessment by direct transfer to programs like PRETRANSYT/TRANSYT-7F or PRENETSIM/ CORSIM for simulation of the modified timings. This allows SYNCHRO to be used in a seamlessly-integrated fashion for both evaluation of optimized timings and optimization of offsets. Similar integration with SITE, TURNS and WARRANTS can be achieved. All of these programs are available from McTrans. Educational discounts are available. Functional demos are available as free downloads. See the complete program description for more details at the McTrans online catalog. PRESYNCHRO is also available as part of the TEAPAC Traffic Engineering Package (#TPC*.*.1) and the TEAPAC Signal Timing Analysis Package (#TPC*.*.2). PRETSPPD/TEAPAC PRETSPPD/TEAPAC from Strong Concepts prepares and runs TS/PP-DRAFT input files, using the standard TEAPAC graphical dialogs for each signal in the TS/PP-DRAFT arterial or network. All the information that is needed by TS/PP-DRAFT for each intersection is coded automatically, including the always-complex signal timing and phasing information. Level 1 (#TPCPTS.1) handles up to 12 intersections and costs $295 for a site license. Level 2 (#TPCPTS.2) handles up to 100 intersections and offers a Subsystem feature for $395. Larger sizes are available. If the individual operation of each signal in the arterial or network is designed with SIGNAL2000, and coordinated timings are designed with programs like PREPASSR/PASSER-II, PRETRANSYT/ TRANSYT-7F or PRESYNCHRO/SYNCHRO, then PRETSPPD can use these data files directly so TS/PP-DRAFT results can be generated without any additional data input. This produces immediate colorful, printable, on-screen time-space diagrams and platoon-progression diagrams with TS/PP-DRAFT. If the offsets are changed within TS/PP-DRAFT by dragging them directly on the time-space or platoon-progression diagram, the changed offsets can be imported back into PRETSPPD for direct transfer to programs like PRETRANSYT/TRANSYT-7F or PRENETSIM/CORSIM for simulation of the modified offsets. This allows TS/PP-DRAFT to be used in a seamlessly-integrated fashion for both evaluation of optimized timings and manual optimization of offsets. Similar integration with SITE, TURNS and WARRANTS can be achieved. All of these programs are available from McTrans. Educational discounts are available. Functional demos are available as free downloads. See the complete program description for more details at the McTrans online catalog. PRETSPPD is also available as part of the TEAPAC Traffic Engineering Package (#TPC*.*.1), the TEAPAC Signal Timing Analysis Package (#TPC*.*.2) and the TEAPAC Site Impact Analysis Package (#TPC*.*.3).

6 6 VISUM VISUM is a comprehensive, flexible software system for transportation planning, travel demand modeling and network data management. VISUM is used by over 600 organizations on six continents for metropolitan, regional, statewide and national planning applications. Designed for multimodal analysis VISUM allows users to integrate all relevant modes of transportation (i.e., SOV, HOV, truck, bus, train, pedestrians and bicyclists) into one consistent network model. Assignment procedures and 4-stage modeling routines meet the requirements of all the different modes. VISUM is PC-based using MS Windows and offering open data and image exchange into the total Windows environment via clipboard or other interfaces. This open concept allows users to design their own applications using Visual Basic. VISUM s easy-to-use graphical interface enables users to rapidly design network scenarios, flexibility importing and exporting data and reliably manage data. VISUM can be used for conventional fourstep modeling, including equilibrium highway assignment and frequency based transit assignment. Beyond conventional modeling, VISUM offers many specialized and advanced methods, such as activity based models, dynamic methods or advanced transit models. Fully integrated with the microscopic traffic simulator VISSIM, the ptv Vision Suite offers a unique and powerful synergy of demand modeling and engineering tools. VISUM: Levels Base through X-Large BASE Package suited for small MPO's; for network models up to 400 zones, 2,000 nodes/stops, 5,000 links and 1,000 transit routes. Includes full planning capabilities; multimodal networks and assignment for highway and transit; 4-stage modeling; all interfaces; flow evaluations; matrix manipulations (#VISUMB for $5000). LARGE Package suited for most MPO's; for network models up to 1,500 zones, 12,000 nodes/stops, 30,000 links and 5,000 transit routes. Includes full planning capabilities; multimodal networks and assignment for highway and transit; 4-stage modeling; all interfaces; flow evaluations, matrix manipulations (#VISUML for $10000). X-LARGE Package suited for very large models; for network models up to 5,000 zones, 250,000 nodes/stops, 500,000 links and 20,000 transit routes. Includes full planning capabilities; multimodal networks and assignment for highway and transit; 4-stage modeling; all interfaces; flow evaluations; matrix manipulations; TRIBUT: bi-criterion highway assignment (#VISUMX for $20000).

7 7 PRENETSIM/TEAPAC A major upgrade to the PRENETSIM/TEAPAC program (#TPCPNT) has been produced by Strong Concepts with a new, seamless integration to the new CORSIM 5.1 update. Now the standard TEAPAC input dialogs or data files from other integrated TEAPAC programs will create a complete NETSIM/CORSIM data file, with the option to immediately run either a simulation, and animation, or both. The new bitmap background support in PRENETSIM also permits exchange of this background to CORSIM 5.1 so it will be used by the CORSIM animation. Link numbers are created automatically, as is all information needed by the NETSIM submodel for each link and node. Phasings and timings for each signal are specified in traffic engineering terms. The data files for PRENETSIM are now completely compatible with SIGNAL2000/TEAPAC (#TPCS2K) so complete multi-intersection systems with up to 500 intersections can be seamlessly integrated with SIGNAL2000 analyses, allowing complete HCM-based timing optimization to be performed in conjunction with the PRENETSIM simulation or animation. This data file compatibility extends to PRETRANSYT, PREPASSR and the new PRETSPPD and PRESYNCHRO programs for one-click sharing of complete data files between each of these six programs, permitting unparalleled flexibility in how these programs can be used to exploit the strengths of each program. Similar integration exists for VISSIM, SITE, TURNS and WARRANTS PRENETSIM availability is as follows: Level 1 (#TPCPNT.1) handles up to 12 intersections and costs $495 for a site license. Level 2 (#TPCPNT.2) handles up to 100 intersections and offers a Subsystem feature for $695. Larger sizes are available. Special upgrade pricing is available directly from Strong Concepts. Educational discounts are available. Functional demos are available as free downloads. See the complete program description for more details at the McTrans online catalog. PRENETSIM is also available as part of the TEAPAC Traffic Engineering Package (#TPC*.*.1) and the TEAPAC Signal Timing Analysis Package (#TPC*.*.2). TRANSYT-7F Release 9.7 Now Available TRANSYT-7F release 9.7 features graphical timing plan entry (illustrated here). Other new features in this version include node number jump, normalized file saving capabilities, and a "Stop" button for aborting genetic algorithm optimization. Registered users of release 9 can now download release 9.7 for free from the McTrans web site.

8 8 VISSIM VISSIM is a microscopic, time step and behavior based simulation model developed to analyze the full range of functionally classified roadways (including roundabouts!) and transit operations (e.g., LRT, BRT, queue jumps, etc.). VISSIM can model integrated roadway networks found in a typical corridor, as well as various modes consisting of generalpurpose traffic, buses, HOV, light rail, heavy rail, trucks, pedestrians, and bicyclists. ITS components and strategies can also be modeled in VISSIM: variable message signs (VMS), ramp metering, incident diversion, adaptive signal control, transit signal priority, lane control signals, dynamic lane control signs, etc. VISSIM: Levels I through Small Suite VISSIM LEVEL I Number of Link Types Two; TEAPAC/SYNCHRO Interface; Pre- SYNCHRO by Strong Concepts; Actuated Controller Functionality - Basic includes basic 8-phase, 4 overlaps NEMA functionality (#VISSIML1 for $2000). VISSIM LEVEL II Number of Link Types Unlimited; TEAPAC/SYNCHRO Interface; Pre-SYNCHRO by Strong Concepts; Actuated Controller Functionality - Basic includes basic 8-phase, 4 overlaps NEMA functionality; 3-Dimensional Animation/AVI Creation Tool (#VISSIML2 for $4000). VISSIM LEVEL III Number of Link Types Unlimited; TEAPAC/SYNCHRO Interface; Pre-SYNCHRO by Strong Concepts; Actuated Controller Functionality - Advanced includes RR preemption and basic bus and LRT priority; 3-Dimensional Animation/AVI Creation Tool; Transit; Controller Testing; VAP (User Definable Signal, Speed and Routing Control) (#VISSIML3 for $4000). INTEGRATION 2.30 The new release of INTEGRATION (2.30) offers a number of unique features that were not available in previous commercial versions of INTEGRATION. These features include the modeling of: adaptive traffic signal optimization actuated signal control by vehicle class, including transit signal priority pre-trip and on-trip provision of real-time traffic information to drivers toll roads for different driver populations with different values of time vehicle dynamics using a constant power vehicle dynamics model, including modeling up to 25 different vehicle types normal light duty vehicle fuel consumption, HC, CO, CO2, and NOx emissions emission dispersion using a simplified plume dispersion model 14 different crash types with their associated levels of severity The new version also accommodates the estimating freeway, signalized, and stop sign Level of Service (LOS) using the Highway Capacity Manual procedures and running the program in batch mode, altering the random number seed. INTEGRATION (#INTEG) Version 2.30 is available from McTrans for $395. TRAFFIX 7.6 TRAFFIX is an interactive computer program for IBM PC compatible computers that enables planners and engineers to efficiently: 1. Conduct traffic impact and medium size city-wide traffic forecasting studies; 2. Rapidly forecast the traffic impacts of new developments; 3. Calculate level of service at critical signalized and unsignalized intersections and on arterials; 4. Interactively test different mitigation measures, and 5. Determine traffic impact fees for individual development projects. The program allows level of service (LOS) to be calculated simultaneously for both baseline and future (with project) scenarios at signalized and unsignalized intersections and on urban and suburban arterials. In addition, user-defined analysis scenarios can be created and level of service scenario comparison reports can be generated. Comprehensive, yet concise and easy- to-read, output reports are generated that are suitable for inclusion in project reports. TRAFFIX (#TRAFFIX) is available at LOS 7 from McTrans for $3,500. TRAFFIX Lite (#TRFIXLIT) is available for $1,925.

9 9 Traffic Noise Model Version 2.1 TNM Version 2.1 is now available. This version includes over 20 enhancements to the TNM Graphical User Interface (GUI). Some enhancements include: Hide Rows function now fully operational. Directional arrow keys now fully active for panning views in Barrier Design. Clicking on a background window will bring it to the foreground. When importing Stamina files, TNM now fully supports shielding factors. Dollar amounts in costs are now rounded to the nearest whole dollar. Barrier Design Table enhanced. Calculations for L_dn and L_den modified to incorporate accurate time-duration percentages. Changing object names (receiver, roadway, roadway segment, barrier, barrier segment, important barrier, important barrier segment, tree zones, building rows, ground zones, contour zones) and receiver comments do not invalidate results. Object inputs all dynamically linked to their respective tables. Adjustment Factors function redesigned. Status bar enlarged and redesigned. Barrier Input Table column widths resized to allow all fields to be displayed without horizontal scrolling. For more information about TNM 2.1 and how to download it, please support@trafficnoisemodel.org. Traffic Noise Model (#TNM) Version 2.1 is available from McTrans for $695. TNM Upgrade (#TNM.UPG) is available for $495. DBRM (Drainage Basin Runoff Model) and USMGT (urban Stormwater management) have been updated to run in the Windows environment. USMGT also now includes an option to use the Santa Barbara Urban Hydrograph Method and now accommodates trapezoidal and rectangular channels, as well as a new culvert analysis program. Both packages have been reduced to $100 each. PRETRANSYT/TEAPAC A major upgrade to the PRETRANSYT/TEAPAC program (#TPCPTR) has been produced by Strong Concepts with upgraded support to the latest versions of TRANSYT-7F Release 9. Link numbers are created automatically, as is all Information that is needed by TRANSYT for each link, such as links that move on each signal phase. The tedious upstream-downstream flow calculations are also done automatically. PRETRANSYT has the capability of interactively plotting a time-space diagram for any portion of the system, as well as easy-to-read signal timing charts with phasing diagrams. The data files for PRETRANSYT are now completely compatible with SIGNAL2000/TEAPAC (#TPCS2K) so complete multi-intersection systems with up to 500 intersections can be seamlessly integrated with SIGNAL2000 analyses, allowing complete HCM-based timing optimization to be performed in conjunction with the PRETRANSYT simulation or optimization. This data file compatibility extends to PRENETSIM, PREPASSR and the new PRETSPPD and PRESYNCHRO programs for one-click sharing of complete data files between each of these six programs, permitting unparalleled flexibility in how these programs can be used to exploit the strengths of each program. Similar integration exists for VISSIM, SITE, TURNS and WARRANTS PRETRANSYT availability is as follows: Level 1 (#TPCPTR.1) handles up to 12 intersections and costs $495 for a site license. Level 2 (#TPCPTR.2) handles up to 100 intersections and offers a Subsystem feature for $695. Larger sizes are available. Special upgrade pricing is available directly from Strong Concepts. Educational discounts are available. Functional demos are available as free downloads. See the complete program description for more details at the McTrans online catalog. PRETRANSYT is also available as part of the TEAPAC Traffic Engineering Package (#TPC*.*.1) and the TEAPAC Signal Timing Analysis Package (#TPC*.*.2). Update Watch Package Version Status Target Distribution HCS d Complete Available Patch Download TRANSYT-7F 9.7 Complete Available Patch Download TSIS 5.1 Complete Available Sent to Registered users IDAS 2.2 Complete Available Sent to Registered users PASSER II Complete Available Registered users may upgrade TURBO 2.0 Complete Available Registered users may upgrade TNM 2.1 Complete Available Registered users may upgrade

10 10 SIGNAL2000/TEAPAC Version 2 SIGNAL2000 Version 2 from Strong Concepts is a major upgrade of the SIGNAL2000 program (#TPCS2K). Major changes include:. Handle up to 500 intersections in one file and with a single click,. Seamless integration of SIGNAL2000 data with PRENETSIM, PRETRANSYT and PREPASSR, as well as the new PRETSPPD and PRESYNCHRO programs and VISSIM,. Accurate treatment of NEMA-style, dual-ring controllers,. Major enhancement to optimization method for signal timing and phasing, and. Graphical view of network with optional bitmap aerial or map background. For multi-intersection projects, you can keep your focus on a single intersection, as before, but these projects frequently call for a re-analysis or re-optimization under new assumptions where managing the files individually for many intersections and/or scenarios becomes a huge time-consuming burden. Now when you need to do them all, SIGNAL2000 Ver 2 can easily produce a true- HCM capacity analysis including worksheets, or full timing/phasing optimization, for all intersections and conditions from a single file and with a single click of your mouse. Another advantage is the ability to seamlessly integrate the multi-intersection data via a single click with the PRENETSIM, PRETRANSYT and PREPASSR elements of TEAPAC, as well as the new PRESYNCHRO and PRETSPPD programs, and directly with VISSIM. A troubling problem for some users of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) has been difficulty in representing timings for NEMA-style controllers, especially when there are small differences between the times allocated to left turn phases. This problem has been solved with an option to view the phase timings either from the perspective of the HCM (timings by phase) or of a NEMA-style controller (timings by movement). With this release, a major enhancement to the time-proven optimization strategy of SIGNAL85, SIGNAL94 and SIGNAL97 has been implemented in Version 2 of SIGNAL2000. That feature has been expanded to allow the entry of the specific amount of delay targeted for the critical movements as an alternate to the level of service. This allows two significant improvements when optimizing the timings and/or phasing of a capacity analysis:. A specific value of delay between two LOS boundaries can be targeted, rather than just the actual LOS boundaries, and. Delay values greater than the arbitrary limit of 80 seconds for LOS E can be targeted. This optimization option allows the operations method of the capacity analysis to be used quickly and effectively for all aspects of signal analyses, including signal timing, planning studies, impact analysis and geometric design. The program was also enhanced to provide a graphical view of the entire network structure, with an optional bitmap background displayed underneath, such as an aerial photograph or design drawings. SIGNAL2000 availability is as follows: Level 1 (#TPCS2K.1) performs a capacity analysis only and costs$295 for a site license. A Level 2 site license (#TPCS2K.2) adds the optimization option and up to 12 intersections in a single analysis. Level 3 (#TPCS2K.3) analyzes or optimizes up to 100 intersections for $695. Larger sizes are available. Special upgrade pricing is available directly from Strong Concepts. Educational discounts are available. Functional demos are available as free downloads. See the complete program description for more details at the McTrans online catalog. SIGNAL2000 is also available as part of the TEAPAC Traffic Engineering Package (#TPC*.*.1), the TEAPAC Signal Timing Analysis Package (#TPC*.*.2) and the TEAPAC Site Impact Analysis Package (#TPC*.*.3). PREPASSR/TEAPAC A major upgrade to the PREPASSR/TEAPAC program (#TPCPPS) has been produced by Strong Concepts with a complete connection to the new PASSER II-02 program, and continuing support for the PASSER II-90 program. The new upgrade uses the standard TEAPAC input dialogs or data files from other integrated TEAPAC programs and creates a complete PASSER II data file, with the option to run the file automatically in PASSER II-02. The entire arterial can be simulated or optimized with PASSER II-02, with an option to import any timings which changed as a result of an optimization. PREPASSR also produces time-space diagrams interactively which represent all phases for any selected signals in the network, as well as a tabular summary of signal timings showing the phasing in graphical form. The data files for PREPASSR are now completely compatible with SIGNAL2000/TEAPAC (#TPCS2K) so complete multi-intersection systems with up to 500 intersections can be seamlessly integrated with SIGNAL2000 analyses, allowing complete HCM-based timing optimization to be performed in conjunction with the PREPASSR/PASSER simulation or optimization. This data file compatibility extends to PRETRANSYT and PRENETSIM and the new PRETSPPD and PRESYNCHRO programs for one-click sharing of complete data files between each of these six programs, permitting unparalleled flexibility in how these programs can be used to exploit the strengths of each program. Similar integration exists for VISSIM, SITE, TURNS and WARRANTS. PREPASSR availability is as follows: Level 1 (#TPCPPS.1) handles up to 12 intersections and costs $395 for a site license. Level 2 (#TPCPPS.2) handles up to 100 intersections and offers a Subsystem feature for $595. Larger sizes are available. Special upgrade pricing is available directly from Strong Concepts. Educational discounts are available. Functional demos are available as free downloads. See the complete program description for more details at the McTrans online catalog. PREPASSR is also available as part of the TEAPAC Traffic Engineering Package (#TPC*.*.1) and the TEAPAC Signal Timing Analysis Package (#TPC*.*.2).

11 D I D Y O U K N O W? 11 Highway Capacity Software Some signal phasing combinations create a situation where the criteria defined for critical lane groups cannot be satisfied. In these cases, the critical intersection degree of saturation (Xc) is undefined and cannot be computed. The HCM2000 lists these requirements on page as 1) Excluding lost times, one critical lane group must be moving at all times during the signal cycle; 2) At no time in the signal cycle may more than one critical lane group be moving; and 3) The critical path has the highest sum of v/s ratios. This is often the case where protected-permitted phasing is used with lagging left turns. However, this does not preclude any capacity, delay or LOS calculations. Signalized delay calculations are not performed for right turn on red (RTOR) vehicles. Because of this, when there are high volumes of RTOR vehicles, delay estimates may become inconsistent with those of simulation models such as CORSIM and TRANSYT-7F, in which delay is also estimated for RTOR vehicles. fb% is a factor used to compute signalized intersection percentile back-of-queue values, by multiplying this by the average back-ofqueue value. The factor is a function of various things such as the desired percentile (75%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, etc.), degree of saturation, actuation, and progression. TRANSYT-7F Recent versions of TRANSYT-7F are capable of optimizing cycle lengths at uncoordinated intersections within the network, independent of the network background cycle length. It is also possible to optimize phasing sequence and splits at uncoordinated intersections. However, since phasing sequence optimization is mostly beneficial for improving progression, it is not always beneficial for uncoordinated intersections. The initial timing model, which corresponds with the initial timing "flag," is useful for instantly generating a reasonable and effective set of green times from scratch. Users typically request initial timing from TRANSYT- 7F when the existing timing plan is unknown, or when they think the program may be able to develop an effective starting point for optimization. The initial timing model allocates green time in an attempt to equalize the degree of saturation on each movement. This quick estimation technique is rarely sufficient for finding the global optimum timing plan, but does provide a reasonable and effective set of initial green times. Initial timing can only be provided for certain intersections when 1) the intersection possesses a "coordinated signal," 2) the intersection is present on the "optimization node list," and 3) the initial timing "flag" has been turned on. The "CORSIM Processor" within TRANSYT-7F release 9.7 now contains support for TSIS-CORSIM versions 4.32, 5.0, and 5.1. Previous versions of release 9 only supported versions 4.32 and 5.0 of CORSIM. CORSIM The TRAFVU animation module is capable of displaying networks containing a minimal set of input data. Even though it would not be possible to run CORSIM simulation without certain additional inputs, TRAFVU is capable of displaying networks that only contain record types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11 or 19, 170 and 210. A sample data file illustrating these minimal inputs (called "Minimal.trf") is available for downloading from the McTrans website. FRESIM considers two types of lane changes, "mandatory" and "discretionary." Mandatory lane changes are due to responses to geometric objects and the assigned exit. When a vehicle detects that it needs to make a lane change to get into the lane leading to its exit, or detects that it needs to get out of a lane that leads to an off-ramp that is not its assigned exit, or when it detects something like a lane drop or an incident ahead it makes a mandatory lane change. The risk the driver is willing to accept to perform the lane change is related to several factors, including the distance to the geometric object. When it doesn't need to make a mandatory lane change it might consider making a discretionary lane change. A discretionary lane change can be performed when a vehicle is traveling at a speed below its desired speed and it appears that making a lane change would allow it to increase its speed. The advantage of staying in the current lane versus moving into another lane is calculated using the car following logic and comparing the current leader's speed and headway versus the speed of the other potential leader and the headway in that lane.

12 12 Opinions expressed in this newsletter do not reflect the official views of the university. Use of trade names implies no endorsement by the University of Florida. gatorengineering Publication Services University of Florida Christina Loosli, DESIGNER Information Access Fax: (352) Toll Free: Telephone: (352) Extension General Responsibilities Bill Sampson 241 Center & software information Director Website & technical assistance(hcs), contracts & licenses Debbie Escalera 242 Order & shipment status, Order Processing Software registration & invoices David Hale 240 Traffic software technical assistance Technical Assistant TRANSYT-7F, PASSER, CORSIM Nebiyu Tiruneh 238 Hydraulic software technical assistance Technical Assistant HYDRAIN, HEC, HY-8, WSPRO Bill Heitman Civil & Coastal Engineering Newsletter information & Advertising (352) x1402 Page Company Product Advertising Directory 23 AI Technologies Ltd. TOSS 22 AJH Associates General Neteork Editor 7 14 Akcelik & Associates aa Traffic SIDRA 25 Caliper Corp. TransCAD 23 Greg Bullock TS/PP-Draft 15 Innovative Transportation Concepts VISSIM 15 itrans ITREC 17 JMW Engineering, Inc. AIMS GIS 24 KLD Associates & Polytechnic Univ. SIG/Cinema, HCM/Cinema 13 Milex Technologies Dirtwrx 23 Resource International, Inc. PMS RST International Inc. UfosNet 22 Scantek Norsonic IIB 19 Strong Concepts TEAPAC 16 TMODEL Corp. MPA 18 Trafficware SimTraffic, Synchro 21 Transoft Solutions Turning Templates 21 Transoft Solutions Guidsign 20 Transoft Solutions AutoTURN 14 X32 Group, Inc. HSA Software