Modeling

Traffic modeling helps agencies and project teams predict how a corridor, intersection, or transit service will operate before construction. At AK Modeling and Engineering, we build models that are calibrated to observed conditions, tested across realistic scenarios, and summarized with clear decision ready results.
If you need a defensible way to compare options, quantify benefits, and communicate tradeoffs, modeling is often the fastest path to answers that stakeholders can trust.

What we Model

Microsimulation Modeling

Microsimulation reproduces individual vehicle and transit movements, including lane changing, signal control, queues, and travel time reliability. It is ideal for complex corridors, closely spaced signals, work zones, access changes, and multimodal operations.

Common uses include:
• Intersection and corridor operations evaluation
• Queueing and spillback diagnosis
• Signal timing concepts and progression checks
• Ramp and weaving performance
• Transit priority strategies and impacts on general traffic

Macrosimulation Modeling & Forecasting Support

Macro level modeling supports long range decisions, scenario planning, and planning level evaluations where the objective is system performance, not individual movements.

Common uses include

  • Future traffic forecasts and scenario comparisons
  • Volume, speed, and delay performance summaries
  • Screening level evaluation of network changes

Safety focused modeling and surrogate safety analysis

When crash history alone is not enough to compare design options, simulation can support safety evaluation by quantifying conflict based measures. Depending on the project and data availability, this can include measures such as time to collision and post encroachment time, plus speed and deceleration patterns during conflicts.

Common uses include:

  • Comparing design options from a safety surrogate perspective
  • Identifying high risk movements and approaches
  • Quantifying how operations and speed changes influence conflict patterns

Typical Deliverables

Deliverables are tailored to your decision needs, schedule, and audience. Common deliverables include:

  • Existing conditions calibration summary, including what was matched and how well it matched
  • Scenario matrix, describing assumptions for each modeled scenario
  • Operational results, such as delay, queues, travel time, travel time reliability, and throughput
  • Visual summaries, including maps, tables, and plots that support quick interpretation
  • Key findings and recommendations written in plain language for non technical stakeholders
  • Model package and documentation appropriate for your agency requirements

Data and Tools

We integrate the level of data that matches the question you are trying to answer. Depending on the project, this may include turning movements, travel time runs, signal timing and phasing, speed observations, heavy vehicle assumptions, transit schedules, and corridor constraints.

Tool selection is always driven by the decision need, the project timeline, and the complexity of the corridor.

How Our Modeling Workflow Stays Defensible

A good model is not just a build, it is a process that makes the results credible.

  • Define the decisions the model must support
  • Confirm inputs and constraints, including data, study periods, and performance measures
  • Build the base model with transparent assumptions
  • Calibrate and validate to observed conditions using agreed criteria
  • Test scenarios consistently using the same measurement methods
  • Summarize results with implications, sensitivity notes, and clear next steps

FAQ

How long does a modeling effort take?

That depends on the size of the network, the number of scenarios, and the amount of available field data. Many corridor studies follow a phased approach, first building and calibrating a base model, then testing scenarios.

How long does a modeling effort take?

At minimum, study area limits, study periods, turning movement volumes, signal timing information, and any existing prior studies. If some items are missing, we can define a practical plan to fill gaps.

Can you support public meetings and stakeholder communication?

Yes. We can prepare clear exhibits and plain language summaries to help communicate what the model shows, what it does not show, and why the results matter.

Do you provide model files at the end?

Yes, along with documentation that explains key assumptions, calibration outcomes, and how scenarios were implemented.

Ready to talk about your corridor or intersection?

If you want to discuss a project, share your study limits and what decision you need to make. We will respond with a practical path forward that fits your schedule.

180 Talmadge Rd Unit #1239 Edison, NJ 08817