How should it be implemented
There is varying guidance around the time horizons and approach to the implementation of NOPs. At the outset determine the time horizon and implementation approach of each NOP.
There is limited guidance material on the implementation of NOPs, at least in terms of their time horizons and approach. This could be due to the complexity of short, medium and long term interventions required to address operating gaps identified through the development of the NOPs.
Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 4: Network Management Strategies (2020) recommends a short-term (1–5 years) planning horizon for NOPs, and longer term planning horizons (more than 10 years) when network improvements with major civil works are required (such as major infrastructure projects).
The US FHWA guidance on Transport Management and Operation interventions only relate to those that can be implemented in the short-term to get the most out of the infrastructure.
Choosing the time horizon and implementation approach can be difficult when the aspirational future network operation is not expected to be achieved for some time. Understanding this, and any interdependencies, may help inform the most appropriate implementation approach (or whether higher level strategic or network planning activities are required to inform the long-term approach to the development of the network). Clearly stating the purpose of the project will help resolve this issue and set the time horizon at the outset of NOP development. For example, if the purpose is to best utilise existing facilities then short-term interventions are appropriate. If, however, a major infrastructure project or staged actions are required, a medium or long-term approach will be required.
Source material
Source | How should it be implemented |
|---|---|
Phase 6: Implementation of Network Operation Plans, p27 states:
"Annual programs need to consider the potential longer term impacts of changes in priorities that could result in unintended outcomes where consequential impacts are not countered by implementing planned interventions. This indicates the need for a rolling program of activities to ensure overall improvement in the operational performance of networks." | |
Guide to Traffic Management Part 4: Network Management Strategies (2020) | Section 5 - Network Operation Plan p56 states: "A short-term (1–5 years) planning horizon is recommended for a NOP, and the initiatives are generally operational in nature and scale. Longer term planning horizons (> 10 years) are used when network improvements requiring major civil works would form part of the NOP." |
Source | Monitoring, feedback, update, etc |
|---|---|
Section 3.2 - Corridor and area planning p41 states:
"A 15-20 year corridor or area strategy should stipulate a multi-modal approach to achieve objectives and performance targets. As with the network strategy, the corridor or area strategy may contain interim performance targets for equity or operational reasons." | |
Road Network Planning Urban Design ‘Place’ Character Assessment Methodology and Guidance Notes (2019) | Appendix A, Section 1.5 - Road Network Planning p9 states:
"Road Action Plan prepares design options and priorities works within a short-medium-long term time frame." |
What is Transportation Systems Management and Operations and Why is it Beneficial?" p2 states: "TSMO strategies help transportation agencies address transportation issues in the near-term with lower cost solutions." | |
Facilitating Network Operations Planning: A Case Study of the VicRoads SmartRoads Framework (2018) | Chapter 2. Model Corridors, p47 states: “The package of TSMO strategies selected for Subarea 1 include: Access management. Develop neighbourhood policies and short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to manage land use access." |
A comparative study of four network operations planning frameworks guidelines (2010) | Phase 4 – Determine travel demand and road-use priorities (current and future) section p22 states:
"This phase involves determining travel demand for the intended planning horizons and establishing road-use priorities for different roads/links in the network within Potential Impact Area (PIA). Given the nature of likely operational interventions, which are predominantly Management & Operations interventions, it is generally considered a 5-10 year planning horizon would be appropriate for the analytical work associated with most Network Operations Plans, unless there are specific reasons to consider longer time horizons such as an impending major new transport infrastructure, which may significantly alter the operating environment and conditions within PIA." |
Source | How should implement recommendations |
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The ROPs are intended to inform the development of short-term small-scale improvement schemes under the Pinch Point Program and guide the review objectives of the traffic signal timing reviews undertaken. | |
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A periodic review of the NOP is expected, but timing is unknown at this stage | |
Warrigal Road Movement and Place – Intersection Operating Principles | These also vary based on project scope and complexity, but in terms of the Signal Route Reviews:
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