These eight online learning units cover the fundamentals of traffic management. The units cover 22 modules, each includes a video with in-session exercises. Some modules include additional tutorials. Links are provided to the relevant parts of the Guide to Traffic Management, log in to your account for access. Closed captions are available on all the videos, you can turn captions on and off using the CC button on each video.
Unit 1: Introduction to Traffic Management
This module begins with an overview of the entire series of 22 learning modules, emphasising that they are designed for flexible, individual learning. The objectives and principles of traffic management are then covered, including levels of service, the Safe System approach, and the Movement and Place framework.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 1 Section 3.
Unit 2: Traffic Behaviour and Traffic Theory Fundamentals
This module outlines the stochastic nature of traffic. Traffic is a complex phenomenon where different travellers each with different characteristics, trip purposes, values of time, transport modes, etc. interact. A common way to understand and model traffic flow is through the lens of a probabilistic perspective.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 2 Section 3 and Part 2 Section 4
Module 2-1 Tutorial Questions | Module 2-1 Tutorial Solutions
This module introduces the basic macroscopic traffic variables, speed, flow, and density. Furthermore, the fundamental relationships between these variables are explored. Finally, fundamental diagrams and experimental observations are linked to the macroscopic traffic variables.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 2 Section 2
Module 2-2 Tutorial Questions | Module 2-2 Tutorial Solutions
This module presents the fundamental microscopic traffic states. The basics of longitudinal and lateral behaviours (car following and lane changing models) of vehicles in traffic streams are explored. The concept of trajectories of vehicles is introduced. This is followed by a quick overview of the calibration and validation process of models.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 2 Section 2, Part 2 Section 7 and Part 3 Section 8
Unit 3: Transport Study, Traffic Data and Analysis Methods
This module introduces the importance of traffic studies and surveys. It highlights the most common and important traffic data types and their applications in the field. The module also presents a compilation of the most common traffic data sources and equipment. Along with Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 3, this module can assist practitioners in selecting appropriate equipment for specific traffic study applications.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 3 Section 3
This module introduces concepts such as roadway capacity, level of service and degree of saturation which are used to determine the supply-side of a transportation network. These concepts are widely used by practitioners and policy makers to assess the performance of roadway facilities in response to infrastructure changes or policy interventions.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 3 Section 3, Part 3 Section 4, Part 3 Section 5 and Part 4 Section 3
Module 3-2 Tutorial Questions | Module 3-2 Tutorial Solutions
This module describes the procedure for the classification of the level of service and capacity for un-interrupted and interrupted traffic flow facilities. The module also covers intersection capacity analysis which includes signalised and unsignalised intersections including roundabouts. The level of service thresholds have been taken from the Austroads Guide to Traffic Management guidelines. It is best to watch Module 3-2 before viewing this module.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 3 Section 4, Part 3 Section 5 and Part 3 Section 6
Module 3-3 Tutorial Questions | Module 3-3 Tutorial Solutions
Unit 4: Transport Operations Control Strategies and Systems
This module introduces the recommended approach to planned and unplanned incidents. With reference to Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 9, various traffic operation control devices and techniques are considered such as ramp-metering, lane use management and route guidance. Predictive and real-time road user information and on traffic demand management strategies are also discussed.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 9 Section 3, Part 10 Section 7 and Part 10 Section 12
This module presents the fundamentals of signalised intersections. It covers types of traffic signal timing methods, fixed-time signal timing, and concepts of movements phase, cycle time, and signal groups. The importance of pedestrian movements in the signal timing is outlined. Finally, the importance of coordination between traffic signals in corridors and networks are discussed.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 6 Section 3 and Part 9 Section 6
Module 4-2 Tutorial Questions | Module 4-2 Tutorial Solutions
This module compares the three different types of unsignalised intersections: Give Way, Stop and Roundabouts. The module discusses the intersection device selection criteria and provides typical intersections where each device is recommended. The performance benefits of each type of intersections device with regard to safety and efficiency are considered. Finally, the module provides information on the use of signage and line markings in all three intersection types.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 6 Section 3
This module outlines the role of Traffic Management Centres (TMCs) in monitoring and managing traffic operations, including planned and unplanned disruptions to the network, and in disseminating traffic information to the media. Various technologies for monitoring arterial roads, motorways and severe environmental conditions are presented, along with the Traffic Management Interface System that enables effective integration of all applications and systems within a TMC.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 9 Section 4
Unit 5: Network Operations Planning
This module introduces the concept of accessibility. Accessibility measures what people care about from the transport system, being able to reach valued destinations. Accessibility depends on both proximity to destinations and travel time. Transport agencies can affect the travel time in two ways. First, it depends on the directness or circuity of the road, how straight is the route between the origin and destination. Second, they can affect the speed ,which depends on the free flow speed, how fast you can travel when there are no other vehicles there, and congestion, how crowded is the road.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 4 Section 4 and Part 4 Section 5
This module outlines the rational planning process. This comprises defining the problem, formulating the goal, and generating, assessing and implementing alternatives. It asks the viewer to apply this to a problem they are considering at work. It also discusses some of the weaknesses of the process.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 4 Section 5
This module considers the question of who gets which part of the road. It discusses the road user hierarchy: prioritising pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users over car users, and illustrates how different users make different claims on scarce road space. It introduces the ideas of lane management plans, signal operation plans, car storage management plans, and kerb management plans.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 7 Section 4
This module presents the Movement and Place framework for identifying which roads serve which purpose. Different roads serve different markets to a different extent (local vs. through trips, pedestrians vs. trucks vs. cars, etc.), and so should be designed reflective of their intended use.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 4 Section 3 and Part 4 Section 4
Unit 6: Network Performance Monitoring and Management
This module introduces measures used to determine levels of congestion, emissions, safety and pavement impacts. It examines traffic impact assessment as a way of evaluating the effect of new developments on local network performance. It also covers detection and telecommunication technologies used within road networks and transport management centres.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 9 Section 3, Part 9 Section 4, Part 12 Section 4 and Part 12 Section 5.
Module 6-1 Tutorial Questions | Module 6-1 Tutorial Solutions
This module describes recurring and non-recurring traffic congestion. It considers the causes of traffic congestion and discusses strategies to alleviate congestion, such as traffic demand management and road space allocation.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 2 Section 8 and Part 5 Section 4.
This module introduces the five components of traffic incident management. It also discusses the management of planned events, such as special events and work zones. It also looks at the use of a checklist to help planners and traffic engineers holistically implement a traffic management plan.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 9 Section 5
This module describes the common modelling paradigms used in transport forecasts. It illustrates the four-step model widely used in transport planning applications around the world. It also explains the three resolutions of traffic modelling (macro, meso and microscopic), along with the criteria used to select the most appropriate model. Recommendations for the calibration, validation and auditing of models are also covered.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 3 Section 8
Unit 7: Safe System Approach to Traffic Management
This module describes the safe system approach to road transport. This approach recognises human fallibility, that humans are fragile, and responsibility lies not just with the traveller, but also system designers. A safe road system that is forgiving of mistakes must have: Safe Speeds, Safe Roads, Safe Vehicles, Safe People, and Post-Crash Care. Safe Speeds is especially important as speeds too high for conditions increase both the likelihood and severity of crashes, and thus the likelihood of fatalities.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 13 Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6
Unit 8: Intelligent Transport Systems
This module introduces intelligent transport systems (ITS) for traffic control. The role and purpose of ITS are discussed. Real-world examples of ITS are presented, such as smart motorways, variable message signs, variable speed limits, reversible lanes, smart parking, and gating.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 2 Section 8 and Part 9 Section 8
This module outlines the operational principles of managed motorways. The technical details and challenges of ramp metering and variable speed limits are explored.
Guide to Traffic Management reference: Part 2 Section 8, Part 9 Section 8 and Part 10 Section 10