A Method to Develop Dynamic Traffic Management Strategies for Cases of Incidents

Transport systems are affected by various kinds of incidents such as accidents, severe weather conditions, and other events which can lead to disturbances and operational irregularities. To avoid unnecessary disadvantages for road users and railway passengers as well as transport operators, such incidents require situation-dependent, dynamic interventions which need to be chosen and organized within short time. Especially for more complex situations, it is usually not sufficient to rely on improvisation, only. Instead, this operational task should be supported by pre-defined strategies, in which all actions of relevant stakeholders for specific situations are described. This paper presents a planning method to develop such dynamic traffic management strategies for transport operators. Based on several research projects and current German guidelines, this paper presents a basic method to develop dynamic traffic management strategies for incidents. The method is based on the general transport planning process, but it reflects the specific requirements of real-time operation. The paper provides definitions for relevant terms such as strategy, measure, situation and the interconnections of these terms. Furthermore, different types of incidents as well as generally suitable measures to be taken to cope with different types of problems will be defined. The course from identifying problems to the selection and activation of appropriate measures will be described including the necessary technical systems and communication processes. Preparedness for cases of incidents seems to be very important and needs additional attention. The proposed method presents a general methodological framework on how to develop dynamic traffic management strategies to be activated in such cases. Although a broad application of this method is on the way already, many further research needs could be identified. For example, the specific consideration of environmental problems, improvements for dealing with intermodal strategies, modifications to apply the method in developing countries or in other modes of transport