Traffic Simulation Lab

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STUDIES

A Traffic simulation lab was established in the Department of Transportation Studies to provide students with opportunities to learn the most up- to-date traffic simulation software, e.g., CORSIM, VISSIM, SIMTRAFFIC, PARAMICS, DynaSIM, TRANSIMS, etc. There are 10 computers equipped with advanced Traffic simulation software. Students can utilize this software to build up roadway networks, design different traffic scenarios, and run traffic simulations to test or validate the performance of different roadway design and traffic control alternatives. Regular trainings or workshops will be held in the lab by faculty or invited experts.

Transportation professionals have used traffic simulation as an important tool for testing different traffic design alternatives in a realistic and highly detailed manner before field implementation. Simulations are widely used in the industrial and academic fields. With the state- of-the-art simulation software available in this traffic simulation lab, students will acquire important skills related to the use of software, which could significantly increase their employment potential in the transportation related public and private sectors.

This laboratory allows TSU researchers to conduct advanced transportation researches including 1) development, evaluation, and fine-tuning of signal priority logic, 2) evaluation and optimization of traffic operations in a combined network of coordinated and actuated traffic signals, 3) easy comparison of design alternatives at intersections, roundabouts, and grade separated interchanges, 4) modeling and simulating flows of pedestrians, etc. The enhanced research capabilities for TSU researchers will be an advantage when applying for external funding.