1. WSDOT’s Dynameq Projects
Modeling & Analysis Section
Transportation Data, GIS & Modeling Group
Multimodal Planning Division
September 20, 2016

2. WSDOT & DTA Modeling
Lack of funding led WSDOT to undertake toll studies on several facilities
Difficulties of traditional macroscopic models to accurately estimate travel time variations over time directed us towards DTA models

3. Why DTA Model? Issues with Static Model Implications
Difficulty in accurately estimating travel time variations in an oversaturated, densely travelled urban setting (e.g., downtown Seattle)
Very congested conditions on street network during peak periods in urban areas
Implications
Overstates traffic diversion from a toll project
Not able to accurately predict patronage on toll facility
Unable to assess different toll strategies

4. Goals for DTA Model
Improve estimates of travel times on arterials and freeways
Consider specific travel behaviors in network
Queuing (esp. near ramps)
Peak period Congestion
Reasonable traffic diversion estimates

5. Why Dynameq?
Changes in travel patterns due to tolls (Diversions), new roadways
Better estimation of travel times used in assignment because of:
Lane-level queuing
Traffic control/signals
Better simulation capabilities and display
With its newer version, easier to do large scale DTA model

6. WSDOT’s Projects
Many of the Dynameq projects are conducted by Consultants for WSDOT, while some of them are conducted in-house
In-House Projects
SR 202 project
SR-167 extension project (Level 1 Toll Study)
WSDOT Projects Conducted by Consultants
Alaskan Way Viaduct Tunnel Project (Level 2 Toll Study & EIS)
Alaskan Way Viaduct Tunnel Project (Level 3 Toll Study)
Gateway Program Toll Study (Level 2 Toll Study & EIS)

7. Toll Projects in the Puget Sound Region
Alaskan Way Viaduct
DTA Model Focus
Gateway Program DTA Model Focus

8. Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program
Access
Existing Viaduct
Tunnel
Projects
SR 99 Tunnel (“Bertha”)
Replaces Earthquake-Vulnerable Viaduct
Parallel to Congested I-5 Freeway
Waterfront Boulevard
New Streets near Portals
Tunnel Tolled
Funded from several agencies and funding sources, including legislative direction for tolling
Had been modeled to support Level 2 Tolling Analysis
Now for Traffic & Revenue Study, (Level 3) using the same model with finer zone system N

9. AWV: Model Development
Model Foundation
Completed Network
DTA Network for Seattle’s Center City
DTA Time Periods
6-9 AM & 1-6 PM
Dynameq Platform
2010 Network
230 Centroids
7,410 Links
2,790 Nodes
466 Signalized Intersections
763 Stop- or Traffic Circle-controlled Intersections
543,100 Trips (1-6pm)
2030 Network
Build Network Coding
Trips: 600,300 (1-6pm)
Based on Relative Growth by O-D from Demand Model

10. AWV: Travel Times Comparison
15.0 mph
6.2 mph
13.7 mph
13.1 mph
19.7 mph
17:00 Travel Speed Plot
January 15, 2013

11. Gateway Program Projects
2 Projects: SR 167 & SR 509 Freeway Extensions
New freeways in suburban environments
Both projects connect to I-5
Provide improved freight connections to ports and industrial areas
Extensions Tolled
Legislature funded projects through combination of gas tax and tolling
Modeling to Support Level 2 Tolling Analysis

12. Gateway: Model Development
Dynameq 3.1
2015 Network PM Peak Period
220 Centroids
8,452 Links
3,012 Nodes
518 Signalized Intersections
790 Stop-controlled Intersections
850,000 Trips (1-7pm)
2045 Network
Build Network Coding
Trips: 1.1 Million (1-7pm)
Based on Relative Growth by O-D from Demand Model

13. Any Questions?