Development of an Internet-Based Traffic Simulation Framework for Transportation Education and Training

Many traffic simulation software packages are available to help traffic engineers and researchers study and evaluate the potential impact of proposed traffic management strategies and policies. However, existing tools require a significant investment in time for learning how to create models, perform calibrations and finally analyze the results. This substantial learning curve severely restricts their application and makes it difficult for engineering students, the general public and policy makers to take advantage of these tools. An Internet-based traffic simulation framework was developed to enhance the learning experience for transportation students and engineers. Pre-generated traffic scenarios were first implemented as part of a Civil Engineering undergraduate class. Based on feedback, an interactive simulation tool was developed to allow users to make changes to the model and examine the traffic impacts. This now allows students to for example, minimize the queue length by changing the cycle length or splits. This interactive traffic simulation tool was deployed and tested in an undergraduate class of 73 students and feedback was collected from instructors and students that will facilitate additional enhancements of the lab module. This web-based traffic simulation framework can also incorporate larger road networks that allow one to consider a multiplicity of control strategies, thus providing a valuable tool for educating and training transportation professionals.