Typically the study would entail collecting of data to establish the status quo of the transport infrastructure. The data is collected either manually or automatically, using cameras or loop detectors. Depending on the nature of the problem, one or more type of data will be collected. These range from turning movement counts, link counts, public transport counts, occupancy, parking, freight, non-motorised transport and origin-destination.

Once the data is collected it is analysed using analytical softwares such as AIMSUM, HDM4, TRAFFIX, SATURN, Vistro, VISSIM, or VISSUM. Other analytical and visualisation tools such as Arc GIS, QGIS, Civil 3D, Microsoft Excel and Tableau may also be used. The results of the analysis helps pinpoint where the capacity constraints or problem areas are.

Various manuals are used to ensure that solutions meet the necessary standards and best practices, such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Green Book; Transportation Research Board’s (TRB’s) Highway Capacity Manual (HCM); Technical Recommendations for Highways (TRH) / Technical Methods for Highways (TMH) Manuals; and the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual.

Using the traffic model, our engineers are able to identify improvements required to mitigate the transport problem, thereby making the transport infrastructure more efficient and safe.

We have a good working relationship with the authorities at the various departments. Having worked with them for several years, we have a good understanding of the local municipality’s requirements and standards, allowing for a speedy and seemless approval of the application.