Network Operations Planning Library

Evaluation and network performance

There is limited information about monitoring, feedback, evaluation and improvement mechanisms as part of network operation planning. It is broadly understood that the operation performance of a road network is regularly monitored to help inform strategic objectives. However, it is not being regularly undertaken as part of specific NOPs and the associated interventions that are implemented or assessments of their effectiveness.

One example where intervention review is regularly undertaken is with Signal Route Reviews to ensure they are achieving what was intended and not causing other undesired implications.

Source material

Source

Monitoring, feedback, update, etc

Network Operations Planning Framework (2009)

Phase 7 - Evaluation of Plans and Network Performance in Figure 2 p18 and write-up on p27-28 states:

"The Framework is an iterative process – the review of outcomes requires the clear identification of objectives and performance requirements against which to assess the effectiveness of interventions deployed to improve the operational performance of road networks. This requires:

  • collecting data and assembling information to continually monitor the performance of the network following the deployment of interventions (on-going activity)
  • reviewing the cost-effectiveness of interventions in improving network performance (six months to two years depending on the initiatives); and
  • assessing the extent to which initiatives have contributed to meeting objectives set for the network.”

The Application of Network Operations Planning Framework to Assist with Congestion Management and Integrated Land Use and Transport (2013)

Section 3.7 - Phase 7 - Evaluation of Plans and Network Performance p11-14 provides the following recommended changes to this phase of the NOP framework:

Change the wording of the Phase 7 Elements/Inputs from ‘Annual review of network operations plans on a rolling five year time horizon’ to ‘Review of network operation plans on an as needs basis’.

Guide to Traffic Management Part 4: Network Management Strategies (2020)

Section 5.8 - Evaluation and Feedback p70:

"Post-implementation of the NOP should be conducted. The review of implemented treatments checks how they have contributed to reducing the performance gaps.  

The network operation objectives and the road use priorities should also be reviewed, as community and government values can change over time. Based on the review, the NOP may need to be revised."

Source

Monitoring, feedback, update, etc

ATAP National Guidelines for Transport System Management in Australia - Part 2: Strategic Transport Planning and Development (2006)

Phase 3 - System planning, at a glance box p35 states:

"System planning is undertaken through a combination of studies and stakeholder engagement."

MRWA Network Operation Planning Framework (2014)

Section 2.9 - Phase 8: Evaluation and Feedback p16 indicates the following around post-implementation review and NOP updates:

Post-implementation reviews of the NOP treatments should be conducted to check how they have contributed to reducing the performance gaps and meeting defined performance targets.

The network operation objectives and the road use priorities should also be reviewed, as community and government values change over time. > Based on the review, the NOP may need to be revised. A NOP may also be updated to incorporate the impacts of new planned projects, investigate a wider impact area and address different planning horizon timeframes.

A comparative study of four network operations planning frameworks guidelines (2010)

Phase 9 – Evaluation of plan and network performance section p22 states:

"This phase includes ex-post evaluation of the Network Operations Plan and refining elements of the plan by revisiting the individual phases in the Network Operations Planning Process in light of the evaluation results."

TFL Network Operating Strategy (2011)

Section 3.7 - Performance reporting p24 indicates that the performance measures will be reviewed.

PIARC Road Network Operations Handbook 2003

Section 6 - Performance indicators for network operations. 6.1. Introduction.

"The operational performance of a road network must be considered from three stakeholder perspectives:

  • Road users;
  • The community; and
  • Road ‘owners."

Annex B. Performance indicators. ==> overview of indicators used in Australia, developed by Austroads, used in Belgium, Japan, Morocco, NZ, Chile.

Source

Monitoring, feedback, update, etc

Albany Highway - Route Operation Plan

ROPs are generally updated on an annual basis.

Hamilton City - Network Operating Plan

  • Updates shall occur at least every two years
  • And following new network infrastructure

Launceston Network Operation - Preliminary Framework

Yet to be developed

Warrigal Road Movement and Place – Intersection Operating Principles

  • General process to NOP activities does not include a monitoring, feedback, etc. step.
  • There is an evaluate and report step with Signal Route Reviews. Moreover, it is understood that they are being continuously completed, so each corridor is expected to be reviewed each 3-4 years.