SIDRA Intersection Guideline ADOPTED
SIDRA Intersection Guideline ADOPTED
SIDRA Intersection Guideline ADOPTED
SIDRA Intersection
User Guideline
Version 1.0
July 2010
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... i
List of Figures................................................................................................................................................. i
List of Tables.................................................................................................................................................. i
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1
2 Objectives of the Guideline..................................................................................................................... 1
3 Application of Guideline .......................................................................................................................... 1
4 Getting Started ....................................................................................................................................... 1
5 Analysis.................................................................................................................................................. 2
5.1
Input ............................................................................................................................................. 2
5.1.1
Intersection Dialogue................................................................................................................ 2
5.1.2
Geometry Dialogue................................................................................................................... 3
5.1.3
Volumes Dialogue .................................................................................................................... 6
5.1.4
Path Data Dialogue .................................................................................................................. 6
5.1.5
Movement Data Dialogue ......................................................................................................... 7
5.1.6
Priorities Dialogue .................................................................................................................... 7
5.1.7
Gap-Acceptance Data Dialogue................................................................................................ 7
5.1.8
Model Settings Dialogue......................................................................................................... 10
5.1.9
Demand & Sensitivity Dialogue............................................................................................... 11
5.1.10 Pedestrians Dialogue.............................................................................................................. 11
5.1.11 Phasing and Timing Dialogue ................................................................................................. 11
5.1.12 Roundabout Metering Dialogue .............................................................................................. 12
5.2
Output ........................................................................................................................................ 12
5.2.1
Definitions .............................................................................................................................. 12
5.2.2
Calibration.............................................................................................................................. 12
5.2.3
Acceptable Performance Criteria ............................................................................................ 13
5.2.3.1
Degree of Saturation (DOS) ........................................................................................... 13
5.2.3.2
Level of Service (LOS) ................................................................................................... 13
6 Reporting Requirements....................................................................................................................... 14
List of Figures
Figure 1: Sample Screen Shot of Intersection Dialogue ................................................................................. 3
Figure 2: Sample Screen Shot of the Geometry Dialogue (Lanes & Movements Tab) .................................... 5
Figure 3: Sample Screen Shot of the Geometry Dialogue (Lane Data Tab) .................................................... 5
Figure 4: Sample Screen Shot of the Path Data Dialogue .............................................................................. 6
Figure 5: Sample Screen Shot of the Movement Data Dialogue with Default Values ...................................... 7
Figure 6: Sample Screen Shot of Model Settings Dialogue (Options, Roundabouts & Cost Tabs)................. 10
Figure 7: Sample Screen Shot of the Pedestrian Dialogue ........................................................................... 11
Figure 8: Sample Screen Shot of the Roundabout Metering Dialogue .......................................................... 12
List of Tables
Table 1: Basic Saturation Flow Parameters for Urban Roads ......................................................................... 4
Table 2: Basic Saturation Flow Parameters for Rural Roads .......................................................................... 4
Table 3: Maximum values for Extra Bunching ................................................................................................ 4
Table 4: Gap Acceptance Parameters for Sign Controlled Intersections ......................................................... 8
Table 5: Gap Acceptance Parameters for Roundabout and Signalised Intersections ...................................... 9
Table 6: Exiting Flow Effects.......................................................................................................................... 9
Table 7: Practical Degree of Saturation Limits.............................................................................................. 13
Table 8: Allowable Minimum LOS for each Leg based on the Road Hierarchy (Urban Roads) ...................... 13
Table 9: Allowable Minimum LOS for each Leg based on the Road Hierarchy (Rural Roads) ....................... 13
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Introduction
SIDRA Intersection is a computer software package that models traffic intersections including light vehicles,
heavy vehicles and pedestrians. The purpose of the software is to model various scenarios for both existing
and future intersections to determine their performance under a range of conditions. The software allows
many parameters to be inputted which make allowances for the varying conditions, including geometrical,
vehicular and human characteristics applicable for each intersection.
This guideline has been prepared due the large quantity of parameters that can be altered and the large
effects that sometimes only minor changes can make. The guideline sets out the acceptable parameters for
input however it is designed to allow for flexibility in the analysis of unusual or specialised intersections.
Application of Guideline
This guideline is intended to provide guidance for modelling traffic intersections however it still provides
flexibility in order to deal with unusual or specialised intersections. The guideline applies to all Gladstone
Regional Council staff who use SIDRA Intersection and also to all external consultants who submit
Intersection analysis reports to Gladstone Regional Council for approval.
This guideline should be used for modelling intersections that consist of only Council controlled roads. The
guideline may not apply for intersections that consist of any leg which is under control of the Department of
Transport and Main Roads and as they may have alternate guidelines/standards/requirements.
Getting Started
The following general items are required in order to model any intersection using SIDRA Intersection.
The latest version/update of SIDRA Intersection should be used where possible.
All projects created in SIDRA Intersection are required to be modelled as Standard Left.
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Analysis
SIDRA Intersection is a technical software package that requires a certain level of knowledge to input the
correct data and interpret the results, which is proportional to the complexity of the intersection. It is
considered that the analysis of any intersection in SIDRA Intersection should be completed by a person who
has undertaken at least the Beginner Workshop Training for the software. The level of training required is
dependant on the level of complexity of the intersection being analysed. This training should be conducted
by Akcelik & Associates Pty Ltd or another accredited person/company.
SIDRA Intersection is a tool used to analyse only intersections therefore the Road Planning and Design
Manual published by Department of Main Roads and other appropriate references should be referred to in
order to incorporate all aspects of road design.
5.1 Input
5.1.1
Intersection Dialogue
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5.1.2
Geometry Dialogue
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Street
Arterial Road
Criterion
Basic
Saturation
Flow (Veh/hr)
1
2
Highway
Arterial
Arterial
Main
Street
1800
1800
1500
Sub
Arterial
Main
Street
Traffic
Controlled
Distributor Distributor
1500
Collector Street
1500
900
Local Street
Major
Minor
1
2
Collector Collector
450
Access
Street
Access
Place
120
30
300
Criterion
Arterial1
Traffic
Dsitributor2
Minor
Collector
Access
Street
Basic
Saturation
1800
1200
150
30
Flow
(Veh/hr)
1
Where Road is State Controlled, Criteria must follow the State
Road Authority Requirements
2
Traffic Distributor is to be used as industrial Road
Table 3: Maximum values for Extra Bunching
Distance to Upstream
Signals (m)
Extra Bunching (%)
<100
100-200
200-400
400-600
600-800
>800
25
20
15
10
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Figure 2: Sample Screen Shot of the Geometry Dialogue (Lanes & Movements Tab)
Only Applicable
to Roundabouts
Figure 3: Sample Screen Shot of the Geometry Dialogue (Lane Data Tab)
Only Applicable to
Signalised Intersections
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5.1.3
Volumes Dialogue
Vehicle Volumes are to be based on the most current data collected from an intersection survey/count.
The characteristics of the analysis of that data are to dictate the Peak Flow Factor used. Supporting
discussion is to be provided justifying the factor used.
The growth rate parameter can be used if completing a design life analysis on the intersection.
Growth rates used for future volume estimation or assumed new volumes require an explanation and
justification of the method used to determine these values. This should be included in the final report.
5.1.4
The Approach Cruise Speed and Exit Cruise Speed for existing intersections should reflect the present
conditions (generally posted plus 10%). The Approach Cruise Speed and Exit Cruise Speed for designed or
proposed intersections should reflect the hierarchy based design speed.
The Approach Travel Distance should be changed to reflect the existing/proposed operation of the
intersection. The Negotiation Radius and Negotiation Distance can be manually overwritten to reflect the
physical parameters for cases where an intersection has unusual geometry features.
Justification must be given for the values used due the intersection being of unusual nature. All other items
in this dialogue should be as per the default values or calculation methods.
Figure 4: Sample Screen Shot of the Path Data Dialogue
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5.1.5
All default values in the Movement Data Dialogue shall be used unless evidence can be provided which
indicates a different level is appropriate. Defaults are as per the screen shot shown in Figure 5. The red box
in this figure outlines the data that is only applicable for signals. The effects of pedestrians may be included
in the Pedestrian Effects section of this dialogue however justification is necessary.
Figure 5: Sample Screen Shot of the Movement Data Dialogue with Default Values
5.1.6
Priorities Dialogue
Default opposing movements to be used unless evidence can be provided to show the actual opposing
movements are different. This may be the case for intersections with unusual geometry, turn designations or
specialised treatments.
5.1.7
Table 4 and Table 5 are acceptable critical gap and follow-up headway parameters for all intersections.
Table 6 outlines the acceptable Exiting Flow Effects.
behaviour of opposed traffic.
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This is considered to apply to left-turn movements from minor road, as well as slip-lane left-turn movements
from minor road
2
This case is relevant to two-way major road conditions with one direction of the major road opposing (1-lane,
2-lane or 3-lane).
3
The conditions specified (one-way, 2-lane two-way, 4-lane two-way, 6-lane two-way) are relevant to the
opposing movement lanes on the major road.
4
The speeds are relevant to the sign posted speed on the major road unless the only opposing traffic is on the
minor road then the speeds are relevant to the minor road.
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This is considered to apply to left-turn movements from minor road, as well as sliplane left-turn movements from minor road
2
This case is relevant to two-way major road conditions with one direction of the
major road opposing (1-lane or 2-lane).
3
The conditions specified (one-way, 2-lane two-way, 3-lane two-way or 4-lane twoway) are relevant to the opposing movement lanes on the major road.
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5.1.8
Software default parameters are to be used for the Model Settings Dialogue as per Figure 6, except for:
The Roundabout LOS Method (in the Roundabout Models section)
The Level of Service Target.
The Roundabout LOS Method is to be set to SIDRA Roundabout LOS as per the red box in Figure 6.
The Level of Service Target (green box in Figure 6) is dependent on the hierarchy of the intersecting roads.
The road with the highest LOS standard as identified in Table 8 (urban roads) and Table 9 (rural roads) in
Section 5.2.3 is to be used as the overall Level of Service Target.
Figure 6: Sample Screen Shot of Model Settings Dialogue (Options, Roundabouts & Cost Tabs)
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5.1.9
All methods in the Demand and Sensitivity can be used as required for analysis purposes of the intersection.
For each method used (if any) the related scenarios are required to be included in the SIDRA Intersection file
(.sip).
5.1.10
Pedestrians Dialogue
This dialogue only applies to Roundabouts (all types) and Signals (including signalised Pedestrian
Crossings).
The volume of pedestrians and Peak Flow Factor are to be altered to suit the intersection counts obtained.
The growth rate used is required to be justified and explained. The geometry of the intersection with regards
to crossing distance, Approach travel distance and downstream distance can be altered to represent the
geometry of the intersection if measurements are available. Default values are to be used for all other
parameters in this dialogue as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7: Sample Screen Shot of the Pedestrian Dialogue
Only applicable to
Signals
5.1.11
The phasing and Timing on signalised intersections can be altered to determine the most appropriate solution
however if modelling the current condition of an existing intersection then the phasing and timing should be
representative of that intersection (intersection surveys may be necessary if the appropriate data isnt
available).
Default Yellow time of 4 sec and Red time of 2 sec applies if measured data is not available or applicable.
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5.1.12
The roundabout metering dialogue can be altered to determine the most appropriate solution, however if
modelling the current condition of an existing intersection the data used should be representative of that
intersection (intersection surveys may be necessary if the appropriate data isnt available).
Figure 8: Sample Screen Shot of the Roundabout Metering Dialogue
5.2 Output
This section outlines the minimum performance levels and calibration requirements needed in order to
achieve an acceptable solution.
5.2.1
Definitions
The following section clarifies the definition of particular output performance criteria.
95% Back of Queue Distance This value represents the storage length of a lane. This length
forms part of the overall lane length.
5.2.2
Calibration
For existing intersections, a calibrated scenario is required to be set up before any future scenarios are
explored. The calibration process is to be based on various traffic surveys and observations.
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All changes required in order to calibrate the model are to be fully documented with an explanation and
justification of the change. SIDRA User Guides should be referred to for possible calibration methods.
5.2.3
The core performance elements that should be used to assess any intersection in SIDRA Intersection are the
Practical Degree of Saturation and the Level of Service (LOS) (based on Delay). It should be noted that all
other performance elements need to be assessed as they supplement the core criteria.
5.2.3.1
The Practical Degree of Saturation is a pass/fail performance indicator; therefore if the value is greater than
the corresponding values provided in Table 7 for any lane, then the intersection is not acceptable (unless
evidence can be provided of why the values should be changed).
Table 7: Practical Degree of Saturation Limits
Maximum
Intersection Type
Practical Degree
of Saturation
Signals
0.9
Roundabouts
0.85
Sign-Controlled
0.8
Continuous Lanes
0.98
5.2.3.2
The acceptable minimum LOS for each individual leg/lane is to be assessed as per the limits
identified in Table 8 for Urban Roads and Table 9 for Rural Roads.
The LOS will depend on the hierarchy of the intersecting roads.
The delay criteria for each LOS has been identified in Table 10 (for vehicles) and Table 11 (for
pedestrians).
The leg with the highest LOS standard as identified in Table 8 (urban roads) and Table 9 (rural roads)
is to be used as the overall intersection minimum acceptable Level of Service Target.
Table 8: Allowable Minimum LOS for each Leg based on the Road Hierarchy (Urban Roads)
Road
Street
Arterial Road
Criterion
Minimum LOS
per Leg
Highway
Arterial
Collector Street
Arterial
Traffic
Controlled Sub Arterial
Main Street Distributor Distributor Main Street
Local Street
Major
Collector
Minor
Collector
Access
Street
Access
Place
Table 9: Allowable Minimum LOS for each Leg based on the Road Hierarchy (Rural Roads)
Traffic
Minor
Access
Criterion
Arterial
Dsitributor
Collector
Street
Minimum LOS per Leg
B
B
C
D
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Level of
Service
A
B
C
D
E
F
Level of Service
A
B
C
D
E
F
Likelihood of
risk-taking
behaviour
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
Reporting Requirements
All SIDRA Intersection analysis reports are required to be completed or at least reviewed by a RPEQ
member. The name, RPEQ number, signature of that member and an accompanying statement (example
statement shown below) must be included in the final report.
The report must justify and explain the reasons for using or accepting any input or output values that differ
from those identified in guideline.
The following list is a guide of the files, tables, diagrams required (at a minimum but not limited to) that should
be reported for the analysis of an intersection in SIDRA Intersection.
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Input Report
Outputs required only for the existing intersection (calibrated) and the proposed/recommended future
intersections:
Intersection Summary
Movement Summary
Lane Summary
Phasing Summary (signalised intersection only)
Roundabout Metering (metered roundabouts only)
Other tables and figures from the Detailed Output as required for supporting evidence
Draft design of all future intersections which shows the extent of alterations and the physical
constraints present.
All traffic counts and ancillary data used in the intersection assessment.
Tom J Smith
Tom Smith
RPEQ# 99999
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