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Network Operations Planning Library

Auckland – Traffic Management Plan

Overview

This case study consists of a review of the network operation planning aspects of Chapter 27 “Traffic Network Management” in the Auckland Transport Code of Practice (ATCOP). The ATCOP is the overarching document providing a wide range of guidance and standards to ensure that the function, condition and useful service life of transport assets are consistently achieved across the region.

Chapter 27 “Traffic Network Management” is primarily for Auckland Transport staff and their nominated consultants. It covers the three areas listed below and as shown in Figure C.1 to effectively use the existing network in order to reduce costs and understand where certain prioritisation should occur:

  • Network Road Safety Plan (road safety focus)
  • Network Operation Plan (typical day-to-day operations)
  • Network Management Plan (recurrent and non-recurrent event management)

ATCOP Chapter 27 – Network Operation Planning Aspects

Source: Chapter 27 Traffic Network Management” in the Auckland Transport Code of Practice (ATCOP)

Key Findings

A summary of Chapter 27 of the ATCOP and interview discussions in terms of the network operation planning aspects is provided below.

Theme

Response

How is "network operation planning" defined and what should it be used for

  • Supporting the efficient management of the traffic network
  • Alignment with other Council outcomes
  • Integration with land use
  • Supporting multi-modal and sustainable transport system
  • Balancing between safety and efficiency

The development processes / steps / stages and timings

  1. Map Road Use Hierarchy
  2. Set the Network Performance Framework
  3. Measure Performance
  4. Determine Deficiencies
  5. Analyse Causes
  6. Determine Interventions & Network Road Safety Plan Test

Where it fits in the overall network development and management process

  • Top-down approach generally taken
  • Site level with the Regional Road Safety plan programmes and the Network Management Plan (interlinked)
  • Sits above the Regional Land Transport Programme

How it aligns / integrates with approval and funding processes

As NOPs have been considered a modal agnostic tool, it has appealed to a wider audience. This has meant increased decision alignment, including with trade-offs with the movement network (place trade-offs have been less agreed too).

How it aligns / integrates with network and project planning approaches

  • A Road Use Hierarchy is used to prioritise use of arterial by mode, place or activity and time of day, while still giving effect to strategic network goals.
  • Informs the way the road network is operated and optimised in terms of efficiency and safety.
  • Informs projects and forward expenditure plans.

What the strategic objectives are and where did they come from

The following sets out the ATCOP’s Integrated Transport Planning Approach:

  • One System Approach: involves the key stakeholders agreeing a collaborative view of strategic intent for the Auckland region and how this is delivered by transport.
  • Relies increasingly on ‘people’ power and not just ‘motor’ power
  • Provides a network of streets which recognises that all streets have both ‘place’ and ‘movement’ functions which may vary along their lengths
  • Provides excellent levels of public transport and connectivity between services
  • Offers choices between many different modes of transportation
  • Delivers an accessible, affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable transport network for all people.

What the performance indicators are and where they come from

  • Travel Efficiency in terms of delay and flows
  • Route Productivity in terms of people movement
  • Route Performance by mode, including freight
  • Intersection Performance
  • Cycle Provision and efficiency
  • Pedestrian Provision and Delay (at crossings)

Who the development team members should be

Not provided

Who should implement NOPs

As part of the Regional Land Transport Programme process.

How should it be implemented

Not provided

What modes have been considered

Road-based modes– including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, motorized users.

What network typologies and settings are relevant

Auckland region – area and corridor based operation plans developed.

Engagement recommendations

Internal and inter-agency engagement activities were conducted.

Planning and Assessment tools and modelling approaches

Applied the Network Fit Assessment (NFA) tool (SmartRoads) in the following limited settings for specific projects:

  • When need to ‘prove’ proposed arrangement
  • Demonstrate the benefits
  • Consult / engage with third parties
  • Inform trade-off decisions

Required input evidence and data

  • Travel times between nodes (Floating car surveys, GPS and Bluetooth)
  • SCATS and SCATS-related Systems, such as TRIPS and ARTIS
  • Site observations or CCTV Coverage
  • Manual data collection
  • Occupancy surveys (general traffic, public transport, cycles, pedestrians and freight)
  • Traffic volume surveys (automated or manual) for all modes as above
  • Cycle and pedestrian facility provision assessments

Monitoring, feedback, update, etc. processes

Not provided

Documents

The documentation provided as part of this case study included the following:

Chapter 27 Traffic Network Management” in the Auckland Transport Code of Practice (ATCOP)

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