ENG08009 2019 Transportation Engineering 401H

Plan, manage and expedite group traffic and transport surveys and determine the sampling, collection and analysis of traffic and topographic data for transportation planning, traffic management, sustainable travel and land transport scheme projects.

Describe, analyse and formulate traffic planning and demand models and methodologies for transportation system planning and design to meet the future needs of all users.

Determine the criteria and methodologies for the promotion, planning and development of sustainable travel modes and infrastructure.

Evaluate the requirements for transportation and traffic assessments for development plans and development management for the upgrading of existing transport systems to provide more efficient and sustainable operation in both urban and rural areas.

Determine the characteristics and associated infrastructure of light and heavy rail and connected and autonomous vehicle modes of transport and their role as components of integrated transportation networks.

The teaching and learning strategy is based on the use of both direct verbal and visual instruction (theory lectures and project briefings), kinesthetic and visual learning by demonstration and then application by the learner, and aural learning by giving instruction and guidance during practical work and assignments. 

Group interaction and enquiry-based learning is encouraged during assignments and project work using regular project update meetings to review progress and facilitate group discussion and decision-making.

The learning is also supplemented by independent learning with library, on-line and digital resources available for learners to research publications and knowledge for assignments, project work and to complement theory from lectures.

Project work may also be designed to provide traffic and travel data for Highway Engineering 402H module project work, where appropriate.

This strategy is accommodated by providing two hours per week of both theory lectures and project classes.

The module is assessed using blended mix of final semester examination (70%) and practical fieldwork, and design and report work (30%).

Each learner must achieve a mark of at least 40% to pass the module and meet the learning outcomes.

Assessment of the examination and submitted project reports shall be summative in form. Formative assessment will also be used continuously during the project and report work to guide and provide feedback on progress to the learner.

Group work is assessed by determining the individual contribution of each learner in the group using group meetings, discussion and feedback. The minutes of project review meetings are also used to record the individual contribution of each learner to the group work and output.

A proportion of the overall project continuous assessment is allocated for leadership, teamwork, and individual contribution to practical fieldwork, design, and the development of methodology and scheduling of tasks and personnel.

Learners must achieve the pass mark of 40% by successfully repeating the final exam, project work or by re-submitting project reports, depending on the failed element.

1. Traffic and travel survey data analysis. Sampling theory and determination of sample size and error. 
2. Traffic and transportation planning and forecasting. Analytical traffic planning process. Trip generation, trip distribution, modal split, and traffic assignment models. Modelling software. Traffic growth and forecasting. Project management and appraisal guidelines.
3. Traffic and mobility management systems for both urban and rural transport networks. National, regional and local transport planning. 
   Urban traffic management alternatives and strategies. Improving traffic flow & influencing public transport usage. Road safety. Energy conservation & environmental impact mitigation of transport. Development of hierarchical land transport infrastructure. 
4. Sustainable travel and transport modes. Promoting cycling, walking and other sustainable and active travel modes. Sustainable and integrated urban area travel networks. Rural transport systems.
5. Transportation and traffic assessments for development plans and development management. Workplace Travel Plans. Sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMP). Promotion and design for sustainable modes of travel, i.e. public transport, cycling, walking and car sharing/pooling. Sustainable transport infrastructure design. Integrated design of urban roads and streets (DMURS).
6. Characteristics and associated infrastructure for light rail and heavy rail modes of transport and their role as components of integrated land transportation networks. Connected and autonomous vehicles and road infrastructure.

Indicative Practicals/Projects 

1. Use of total stations, GPS and software to produce digital terrain modelling data for topographical surveys and traffic assessments.
2. Urban traffic surveys - Origin-destination, parking and turning movement studies of existing junctions and systems. Use of software to forecast future flows (TRICS). Live and on-line travel questionnaires.
3. Sustainable travel plans and transport assessment case study.
4. Written assignment - Topic relating to sustainable urban and regional transport/traffic plans.
5. Design of rail, waterway, and airport transportation infrastructure
6. Written assignment - International trends in urban traffic planning and sustainable modes of transport.