Introduction to Transportation Planning and Engineering PDF

Transportation Planning marks the initial stage of development for an area’s mobility. It merges disciplines to determine how to design the most functional transportation network based on current and anticipated transit patterns. Transportation planning provides integrated solutions by balancing po...

Transportation Planning marks the initial stage of development for an area’s mobility. It merges disciplines to determine how to design the most functional transportation network based on current and anticipated transit patterns. Transportation planning provides integrated solutions by balancing policy, investments, technology, and land use. These aim to support long- term growth and strategic accessibility. The four main stages of Transportation Planning Transportation survey, Use of transportation data collection and model analysis Future land use forecasts Policy evaluation and alternative policy strategies The entire planning process of transportation, may be local, regional or national, is based on survey and data collection. This includes all types of literature and data (both government and non-government) available on transportation, journey behavior patterns, nature and intensity of traffic, freight structure, cost and benefits, i.e., income, employment estimates, etc. The comprehensive knowledge of traffic flows and patterns within a defined area is essential. In addition to traffic data, planners also require land use and population data for their study area The details-of existing transport network are an important source of information. In some cases, a very detailed description of links and nodes in terms of vehicle speed, carriage-way width and nodal type is collected. Travel times and network characteristics of public transport networks are simultaneously collected. The second stage of the transportation planning process is to use the collected data to build up a transportation model. This model is the key to predicting future travel demands and network needs and is derived in four recognized stages, i.e., trip generation, trip distribution, traffic assignment and model split. The forecasting of future land use inputs is a precarious task, for two important reasons. Firstly, transport planners have to rely on the judgment of to the types of planner for most of their land use forecasts. This information is vitally important since it has a profound effect upon travel forecasts. Secondly, long- term forecasting is beset with many statistical problems. The final stage of the transportation planning process is one of evaluating the alternative policies, which have been suggested. The evaluation stage is probably the most important of all, yet has received only limited research attention. An economic evaluation of transport proposals is necessary because vehicle-km and road space are commodities, which are not directly bought and sold. TRANSPORT PLANNING QUIZ How can sustainable transportation systems contribute to equitable and inclusive urban development in developing countries facing rapid urbanization? Railroad, mode of land transportation in which flange- wheeled vehicles move over two parallel steel rails, or tracks, either by self-propulsion or by the propulsion of a locomotive. A locomotive is a railway vehicle that provides the motive power for a train. It has no payload capacity of its own and its sole purpose is to move the train along the tracks. The first successful locomotives were built by Cornish inventor Richard Trevithick. In 1804 his unnamed locomotive hauled a train along the tramway of the Penydarren ironworks, near Merthyr Tydfil in Wales. The first commercially successful steam locomotive was Matthew Murray's rack railway locomotive The Salamanca built for the narrow gauge Middleton Railway in 1812. This was followed in 1813 by the Puffing Billy built by Christopher Blackett and William Hedley for the Wylam Colliery Railway, the first successful locomotive running by adhesion only. The Salamanca, the first commercially successful locomotive In 1814, Stephenson, inspired by the early locomotives of Trevithick and Hedley persuaded the manager of the Killingworth colliery where he worked to allow him to build a steam-powered machine. In 1825 he built the Locomotion for the Stockton and Darlington Railway which became the first public steam railway. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING IN THE CONTEXT OF RAILWAYS It refers to the branch of civil engineering that deals with the planning, design, and management of railway transportation systems. Some key aspects of traffic engineering in railways include: 1. Railway network planning: This involves determining the optimal routes, alignments, and infrastructure requirements for railway lines to meet transportation demands efficiently. 2. Railway signaling and control systems: Traffic engineers design and implement signaling systems, such as signals, switches, and control centers, to ensure the safe and coordinated movement of trains. 3. Railway operations and scheduling: Traffic engineers work on optimizing train schedules, managing traffic flow, and developing strategies to minimize delays and congestion on railway networks. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING IN THE CONTEXT OF RAILWAYS 4. Railway infrastructure design: This includes the design of railway tracks, bridges, tunnels, stations, and other supporting infrastructure to meet safety, capacity, and performance requirements. 5. Railway traffic analysis and modeling: Traffic engineers use various modeling and simulation techniques to analyze railway traffic patterns, predict future demands, and evaluate the impact of infrastructure changes or operational strategies. 6. Railway maintenance and asset management: Traffic engineers are responsible for developing maintenance plans and strategies to ensure the reliability and longevity of railway assets, such as tracks, rolling stock, and signaling systems. THE IMPORTANCE OF RAILROAD ENGINEERING  ECONOMIC IMPACT 1. Freight Transport Efficiency Railroads transport large volumes of goods at a lower cost, benefiting industries and lowering consumer prices. Freight Rail is crucial for long - distance transport of heavy goods like coal, steel, and agricultural products. 2. Boosting Regional Economies Data from Research Gate Rail connects smaller cities to major economic hubs, fostering economic growth by integrating regional markets. KEY COMPONENTS OF RAILROAD ENGINEERING ❏ TRACK DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Track design and construction in railroad engineering involves planning and building the railway infrastructure, including the alignment, gradient, and materials used for the tracks. This process ensures the tracks are stable, safe, and able to accommodate the expected speeds and loads of trains. Additionally, it includes considerations for future maintenance and compliance with safety standards. ❏ SIGNAL AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS In railroad engineering, signal and communication systems encompass the technologies that manage train movements and ensure safety through real-time information exchange. These systems include visual and auditory signals for train operators, as well as communication networks that connect dispatchers, crews, and maintenance teams to coordinate operations effectively.  ❏ SIGNAL AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS CONTROL CENTERS Centralized locations where dispatchers monitor train movements, coordinate operations, and manage traffic control to ensure safety and efficiency. TRAIN DETECTION SYSTEMS Sensors and track circuits that detect the presence and position of trains on the tracks, providing crucial information for signal operations and safety.  TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM Train Control System refers to the technologies and processes that manage train operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability on rail networks. This includes components like signaling systems, automatic train protection, and centralized traffic control to prevent collisions and optimize train schedules. ❏ Maintenance and Upgrades Railroad maintenance refers to the regular inspection, repair, and general upkeep of railroad tracks and infrastructure. It involves various tasks and procedures to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of railways. Railroad maintenance is vital because railway systems are complex engineered networks with expensive assets subject to substantial wear and tear.  Major Challenges Facing Railroad Maintenance Heavy Usage and Constant Wear and Tear > One major challenge is the heavy usage and constant wear and tear. Frequent trains carrying heavy tonnages put enormous strain on tracks, bridges, switches and other components, rapidly deteriorating them if diligent maintenance is not performed. Exposure to Extreme Climate and Weather > Another central challenge is exposure to diverse and extreme climate and weather conditions. Railroad infrastructure spans diverse geographic zones with temperature swings from frigid winters to scorching summers. Tight Budget Constraints > In addition, railroads have to perform maintenance under tight budget constraints. The costs of inspections, repairs, labor, and materials must be balanced against other expenses like rolling stock, wages, claims and fuel.  Key Railway Maintenance Tasks and Processes Inspections and Monitoring > Adequate inspections provide essential data to direct preventative maintenance to where it is most needed. Routine visual checks of tracks, structures and components by experienced staff remain vital. Preventative Repairs and Replacements > Preventative repairs and replacements are also crucial. Examples include grinding rails to optimal profiles, removing defects, rehabilitating deteriorated ties and ballast, lubricating switches and servicing equipment. Scheduling and Coordination > Careful scheduling and coordination enable efficient execution. Maintenance planning considers traffic patterns, climate factors, and asset conditions system-wide. ❏ Environmental Consideration Environmental Aspects of Rail Transport > Noise pollution, toxic emissions, and direct threats to wildlife, such as habitat fragmentation and increased animal mortality, were selected as the three key aspects of rail transportation affecting the environment to be considered in the development of a sustainability strategy. 1. Noise Pollution Noise pollution can be considered any disturbing or unwanted sound that affects the well-being and mental, emotional, and physical health of humans or other organisms. Among the symptoms of the effects of noise pollution on organisms, we can distinguish dissatisfaction, anxiety, and irritation. ❏ Environmental Consideration 2. Emissions Atmospheric emissions from rail transport are considered to be lower than those from other modes of transport. Moreover, it is characterised by its high energy efficiency. For these reasons, the development of railways is eagerly being promoted as a sustainable transport solution. However, this does not mean that this branch of transport is completely environmentally neutral and is also characterised by the generation of harmful pollutants. 3. Direct Threats to Wildlife Among the direct environmental threats posed by the unsustainable development of transportation networks are environmental fragmentation, leading to the loss of genetic diversity in the area, habitat loss, and increased animal mortality. Tracks cross wildlife habitats and animal migration routes (often defined as so-called ecological corridors or habitat connectivity corridors), affecting the lives of wild animals in various ways. PROS AND CONS OF RAILROAD ENGINEERING PROS OF RAILROAD ENGINEERING Sustainable Transportation: Railways are one of the most energy-efficient forms of transportation, especially for long distances and bulk goods. Engineers in this field contribute to the development of greener transportation systems. Economic Impact: Rail systems play a crucial role in the economy by facilitating trade and logistics. A railroad engineer helps to design systems that support industries, reduce transportation costs, and enhance connectivity. Technological Innovation: Advances in rail technology (like high-speed trains, automation, and better signaling systems) mean that railroad engineers are often at the forefront of innovation in transportation. PROS OF RAILROAD ENGINEERING Job Stability: Rail infrastructure requires constant maintenance and improvement, ensuring that railroad engineers often have stable, long-term career opportunities, especially in countries with extensive rail networks. Large-Scale Projects: Working in railroad engineering can involve participating in high-impact, large-scale infrastructure projects, which can be fulfilling for those interested in civil engineering and infrastructure development. Global Opportunities: Rail systems are used worldwide, offering career opportunities in various countries and regions, with different scales of projects ranging from metro systems to transcontinental railways. Public Safety Contribution: Engineers in this field contribute to the safety of passengers and goods by ensuring well-designed and maintained tracks and systems, impacting society positively. PROS OF RAILROAD ENGINEERING Job Stability: Rail infrastructure requires constant maintenance and improvement, ensuring that railroad engineers often have stable, long-term career opportunities, especially in countries with extensive rail networks. Large-Scale Projects: Working in railroad engineering can involve participating in high-impact, large-scale infrastructure projects, which can be fulfilling for those interested in civil engineering and infrastructure development. Global Opportunities: Rail systems are used worldwide, offering career opportunities in various countries and regions, with different scales of projects ranging from metro systems to transcontinental railways. Public Safety Contribution: Engineers in this field contribute to the safety of passengers and goods by ensuring well-designed and maintained tracks and systems, impacting society positively. CONS OF RAILROAD ENGINEERING High Initial Costs: Designing and building rail infrastructure can be extremely expensive. Projects require large amounts of capital, which may delay or limit certain developments, creating a complex project management environment. Long Project Timelines: Railroad projects often span many years, especially large-scale ones. This can be a drawback for engineers seeking faster project turnarounds or those who prefer quicker results in their work. Environmental Impact: While rail transport is generally greener than road or air transport, constructing railway systems can have significant environmental impacts, such as deforestation, landscape alteration, and biodiversity disruption, especially when building in sensitive areas. Maintenance Challenges: Railroad infrastructure requires constant maintenance. Engineers must address the wear and tear caused by weather conditions, heavy loads, and usage, which can be physically and logistically demanding.  CONS OF RAILROAD ENGINEERING Regulatory Hurdles: Rail projects often require extensive compliance with government regulations, permits, and environmental assessments. The legal and bureaucratic side of projects can be time-consuming and frustrating. Work Conditions: Engineers involved in construction and maintenance may face challenging work environments. This could include remote locations, harsh weather, long hours, and working during off-peak hours (nights, weekends) to avoid disrupting train schedules. Technological Adaptation: While technological advancement is a pro, it also poses a challenge for engineers who must continually adapt to new systems, technologies, and practices. Keeping up with innovations in signaling systems, automation, and digital rail management can require ongoing learning. Risk of Accidents: Engineers are responsible for public safety, and any failures in design or maintenance could lead to serious accidents, derailments, or safety incidents, which could have legal, ethical, and reputational consequences. Components of a Road Structure Engr. Ralph Angelo Estiller CSU- College of Engineering  Components/Elements of Road System ◦ Carriageway ◦ Shoulder ◦ Margin ◦ Roadway ◦ Right of Way ◦ Median ◦ Guardrails/Traffic Barriers ◦ Camber ◦ Kerbs ◦ Bicycle and Parking Lanes Carriage way We have two types of carriageway Single Carriage way ◦ A single carriageway or undivided highway is a road with 1,2, or even 3 lanes arranged within a single highway with no structures on the center to separate the opposite flow of traffic  Dual Carriage way ◦ Dual Carriage way or divided highway is a class of highway with carriage way for traffic travelling in opposite directions separated by a central structure. Shoulder It is an emergency stopping lane by the verge of a road or motorway.  ◦Margin It is the small portion of the Margin road provided after shoulder ◦Roadway combination of carriage way and shoulder Right of Way the whole width of road. It is the combination of carriageway, shoulder, margin, and other components of the road. Median could either be an island or any traffic barriers such as concrete barrier or plastic.C ◦ It is the reserved area that separates opposing lanes of traffic on divided roadways Guardrails are fixed structures provided at the edge of road shoulders to prevent vehicles from riding out of roads especially on curves. Kerbs it is the dividing line between carriageway and footpaths. Bicycle Lanes Parking Lanes It is the portion of a roadway designated for exclusive used of bicycles and other an additional lane provided on urban non-motorized vehicles roads & streets for on-street parking Bus Bays provided lanes for Bus use. Footpath or Sidewalk ◦ Is a exclusive right of way for pedestrians especially in urban areas. ◦ They provided to ensure safety of pedestrians ◦ Minimum width is 1.5 m Camber it is the slope provided on the road surface in the transverse direction to drain-off rainwater from the road surface.  DESIGN CRITERIA FOR HIGHWAYS AND RAILWAYS DESIGN SPEED Is the target speed at which drivers are intended to travel on a street, and not, as often misused, the maximum operating speed. According to AASHTO, Design Speed is the maximum safe speed that can be maintained over a specified section of highway when conditions are so favourable that the design features of the highway governs. Design speed is a selected speed used to determine the various geometric features of the roadway. The assumed design speed should be a logical one with respect to the topography, anticipated operating speed, adjacent landuse, and the functional classification of the highway FACTORS AFFECTING DESIGN SPEED HOW TO ESTABLISH DESIGN 1. Type of Road SPEED? 2. Importance of Road Generally, the design speeds of highways 3. Surface characteristics of Roads are chosen by administrative decision. 4. Type of Intensity of Traffic Some countries also uses the Highway 5. Road geometric and capacity manual as a basis in establishing topography of the area design speeds. 6. Weather condition (wind speed, rainfall, etc.) 7. Sight distance (Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, AASHTO) In practice, the majority of vehicle speeds on dual and single carriageway highways are generally less than the design speed (120 kph), and vehicle operating behaviour is normally in line with the conditions assumed in the formulation of the speed design concept. In the Philippines, the operating speed of the Philippine National Railways is 20 to 40 kph. ROAD SHOULDERS IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SHOULDERS Is a reserved area by the verge of a 1. Road shoulders serves as a place for vehicles road or motorway. Generally, it is to stop when disabled, or for some other kept clear of motor vehicle traffic. purposes. Road shoulders considerably reduces road accidents. Shoulder widths typically vary from a 2. The road capacity is decreased and little as 0.60m (2 ft) on minor rural accident opportunity increases if the roads, where there is no surfacing, shoulder is too narrow or omitted in the to about 3.6 (12 ft) on major design highways, where the entire shoulder 3. Shoulder should be continuous along the full maybe stabilized or paved. length of the roadway. It also adds structural strength to the road pavement 4. Shoulder increases the horizontal sight distance on curves. 5. Serves as additional lane for bicycle and other slow moving vehicles. WIDTH OF ROADWAY FOR UNDIVIDED HIGHWAY HIGHWAY MEDIAN AND RIGHT OF WAY MEDIAN/ TRAFFIC SEPARATOR This provides between two sets of traffic lanes intended to divide the traffic moving in opposite directions. Medians maybe depressed, raised or flushed with road surface. Median is required for the following: 1. Freeways 2. All street and highways, rural and urban, with 4 or more travel lanes and with design speed of 40 mph or greater. TYPES OF ROAD MEDIAN TRANSVERSABLE- median that by its design does not physically discourage or prevent vehicles from entering upon or crossing over it. TYPES OF TRANSVERSABLE MEDIAN 1. RAISED MEDIAN – A curbed sections that typically occupy the center of roadway. Raised medians separate opposing streams of traffic and restrict turning movements. The raised median can be either curb height (6-7 inches) or, where appropriate, 12-24 inches high. They can range from narrow raised concrete islands to three-lined promenades to intensively landscaped boulevard medians. DESIRABLE WIDTH – The width of a raised median should be sufficient to allow for 2. Flushed Median- flush medians are the development of a channelized left- white diagonal lines, painted down the turn lane. This yields an 18-ft median center of some urban and semi-urban assuming: roads, marking and area about one-car- a. A 12-ft turn lane width wide. b. A 2-ft curb offset between the - The typical width for a flush median on opposing through the lane and raised an urban street ranges from 4 ft to 16 ft. island - To accommodate a left-turn lane, a c. A minimum 4-ft raised island. flush median should be 14 ft wide. This will allow a 12 ft turn lane and a The minimum width should be 8 ft. This minimum of 2 ft separation between assumes a minimum 4-ft raised island with left-turning vehicles and the opposing 2 ft curb offsets on each side adjacent to traffic. the through travel lanes. 3. Depressed Median- Typically used where practical on freeway and other divided rural arterials. Depressed medians should be as wide as practical to allow for the addition of future travel lanes on the inside while maintaining a sufficient median width.