Network Operations Planning Library

Network Operations Planning Framework (2009)

The Framework is a methodology regarding how to develop and implement a NOP, see Figure 2 p18 (reproduced above).

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

Section 5 - Conclusions and Recommendations p15 indicates that there are a number of changes to the NOP Framework to help it have a greater regard for the following recommended changes to the NOP Framework:

• all modes
• network implications
• linking transport and land use
• objective-focussed network operation planning
• consultation with stakeholders
• the sequencing of the elements of the Framework.

Signal Management Techniques to Support Network Operations (2015)

Section 3.2.1 - Network Operation Planning p6-7 lists the seven phases associated with the NOP Framework from Section 5.1 of the Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 4: Network Management Strategies (2020)

Level of Service Metrics (for NOP) 2015

Section 3.1 - Application of LOS Framework in NOP p8-12 and Figure 3.1 p8 sets out the network operation planning process from Section 5.1 of the Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 4: Network Management Strategies (2020)

Development of the Accessibility-Based Network Operations Planning Framework (2015)

Section 3.2 - Stage of the Accessibility-based NOP Framework p13-14 and Figure 3.2 p14 sets out the approach to developing a NOP. This is based on Section 5.1 of the Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 4: Network Management Strategies (2020), but includes an additional phase relates to accessibility-based NOP considerations.

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

Section 5.1 - Network Operation Planning Process p58-59 and Figure 5.3 p59 sets out the network operation planning process, which is based on the proposed NOP planning framework in Austroads Network Operations Planning Framework (AP-R338-09).

Main changes relate to Phase 5 and the terms used for Network Operation Plans, i.e. broken into management, operation and improvement plans.

Road Transport Management Framework and Principles (2017)

Section 2.1 - Multiple Network Operation Planning p4-5 and Figure 2.1 p5 sets out the network operation planning process from Section 5.1 of the Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 4: Network Management Strategies (2020)

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

Figure 3.1 p37 and Section 3.2 - Corridor and area planning p41 sets out the following three main activities:

• setting corridor or area objectives and performance indicators and targets
• developing multi-modal corridor or area strategies, and
• defining and protecting the routes and links in the corridor or area

It is also noted that this is part of the broader eight step Transport System Management Framework in Figure 1 p12.

Road Network Planning Urban Design ‘Place’ Character Assessment Methodology and Guidance Notes (2019)

Appendix A, Section 3.1 - Project Stages and Figure 11 p15 sets out the following five stages in the development of the Road Network Plans:

1. Network familiarisation
2. Development of vision and objectives
3. Assessment of network performance
4. Identification of issues and opportunities
5. Final Road Network Plan

MRWA Network Operation Planning Framework (2014)

Section 2.1 - Overview of the Proposed NOP Framework and Figure 2.1 p4 sets out the following eight phases in the development of a NOP:

1. Initiation and scoping
2. Network operation objectives
3. Road use priorities
4. Travel demand and network performance
5. Operation strategy
6. Development of traffic management and operation, and network improvement plans
7. Implementation and use of the NOP
8. Evaluation and feedback

VIC DOT Movement and Place in Victoria (2019)

Overview of the Framework p11 indicates the following four stages:

• Module 1 - Network classification
• Module 2 - Network performance
• Module 3 - Options development
• Module 4 - Options development

Network operating framework, NZTA

The four steps in the framework section and Process Diagram outline the following steps in the NOP development:

1. Strategic setting
2. Links and places map
3. Road use hierarchy map
4. Operating gaps

Facilitating Network Operations Planning: A Case Study of the VicRoads SmartRoads Framework (2018)

See Figure 1. Diagram. Approach to planning for transportation systems management and operations within corridors or subareas p4

• Scoping
• Data collection
• Develop outcome-oriented operational concept incl.
  • subarea goals
  • subarea operations objectives
  • performance measures
• Identify Operation Performance needs, gaps and opportunities
• Develop integrated TSMO approach
• Program for TSMO on subareas
• Implement

+ Monitor level of operation over time

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

Refined Conceptual Network Operations Planning Process section p18-22 provides the following NOP development phases:

• Phase 1 – Project initiation
• Phase 2 – Define network (or sub-network, corridor, route, road or link as   appropriate)
• Phase 3 – Define Network Operations goals and objectives
• Phase 4 – Determine travel demand and road-use priorities (current and future)
• Phase 5 – Evaluate network performance (current and future)
• Phase 6 – Determine Management & Operations options
• Phase 7 – Evaluate options and develop Network Operations Plan
• Phase 8 – Implement Network Operations Plan
• Phase 9 – Evaluation of plan and network performance

Highways England Approach to Route Strategies

Scope of route strategies section p3 states:

"We will complete 18 route strategies, covering all of our roads and building on the approach we took in the first round. Each strategy will cover a key strategic route, providing a description of the key centres of population and industry, and international gateways served by the route, the type of road, its current performance and constraints. We will consider options for maintaining, operating or enhancing roads, including on local roads where these may bring about benefits such as alleviating congestion, on the strategic road network. Where appropriate, this could include influencing driver behaviour, or recommend looking further at other modes of travel. Where an area has a number of route strategies that are all relevant, such as east and west connections and around Birmingham and Leeds, we will ensure the interfaces are addressed."

Model Transportation Systems Management and Operations Deployments in Corridors and Subareas Primer (2018) US FHWA

Figure 1. Diagram. Approach to planning for transportation systems management and operations within corridors or subareas p4 sets out the key TSMO steps as follows:

• Step 1: Scoping
• Step 2: Data collection on current + future context and conditions
• Step 3: Develop outcome-oriented operational concept
• Step 4: Identify Operations Performance Needs, Gaps and Opportunities
• Step 5: Develop and integrated TSMO approach
• Step 6: Program for TSMO on subareas
• Implement

It is noted that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to TSMO planning and implementation; however, proven practices and lessons learned can be applied.

Albany Highway - Route Operation Plan

1. Route configuration
2. Public and Active transport
3. Route performance
4. Long-term strategic role and development
5. Projects undertaken on route

Auckland - Traffic Network Management

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

Hamilton City - Network Operating Plan

1. Agree on Strategic Outcomes and Network Principles
2. Map Places, key land uses and traffic generators
3. Assign road use hierarchies
4. Assign LOS and review Network Performance

It was noted that the NOP was completed in a staged approach (one quadrant of Hamilton’s network at a time), which they found very beneficial in terms of getting feedback updating and improving their implementation of the subsequent quadrants.

Launceston Network Operation - Preliminary Framework

1. Strategic Objectives and Principles
2. Network Links and Places
3. Modal Priorities
4. Network Performance (Performance Measures, Targets and Gap Analysis)
5. Intervention Testing
6. Operating and Improvement Plans

Warrigal Road Movement and Place – Intersection Operating Principles

Steps for a Signal Route Review consist of the following:

1. Define the scope
2. Define the network context
3. Define the local context
4. Establish existing performance
5. Consult to set operation principles
6. Develop improvement options
7. Assess options against principles
8. Implement
9. Evaluate and report.

General process to all NOP activities relates to the following Movement and Place Option Assessment steps:

• Step 1 - Define the network context
• Step 2 - Define the local context
• Step 3 - Set design principles
• Step 4 - Assess option against principles.