| Urban intersections represent critical situations in the urban highway system. The operation and control of multimodal intersections is complicated by the differing characteristics of auto, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. The safe and efficient operation of urban intersections requires that the appropriate analysis of geometric, control, and traffic demand features be conducted for such situations. An analysis of the literature determined that the modeling of intersections represents a viable means to analyze such situations. Models which allow consideration of more than two modes however, are non-existent, and only a few consider two modes of traffic. Physical and analytical models were considered inefficient for the analysis of urban intersections serving multimodal traffic due to the large number of variables involved in such situations. Simulation models have proven feasible for the analysis complex situations, but there exists no simulation model capable of considering the explicit characteristics of multimodal demand.; A simulation model was developed in this research which provides the capability to consider multimodal traffic characteristics, alternate geometric designs, and control options for urban intersection analysis. The simulator is modular in structure offering efficiencies in operation and flexibility in application. Model inputs include traffic demand, modal characteristics, generalized geometric design features, and simulation parameters information. Traffic entities are individually advanced through the intersection according to various performance, control, and behavioral considerations.; The model outputs several measures of intersection performance including average travel time, average delay, stopped time, and average queue lengths. The model was verified by a series of logic, input-output, mathematical, and graphic checks of program outputs. A limited validation of the model was completed using performance data collected at a signalized intersection serving auto, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. The validation experiments involved comparisons of observed and simulated average travel time and average delay by mode and approach. It was concluded that the model was capable of representing intersections having auto, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.; Further refinements and improvements to the model are suggested on the basis of the case study analysis. In addition, the possibilities for future applications of this model are discussed. |
