Traffic Impact Analysis through Digital Microsimulation

Data-driven microsimulation to guide efficient, sustainable transport planning

Applied PTV Vissim microsimulation to model real driving and pedestrian behavior for a major mixed-use development in Bandung. The study identified future congestion risks and recommended lane reconfigurations to maximize existing capacity. By replacing static guidelines with data-driven simulation, the project provided a smarter foundation for policy-making and cost-efficient infrastructure investment.

Problem

Traditional traffic studies in Indonesia rely on MKJI 1997 manual guidelines and static assumptions. These methods often overlook real user behaviors like frequent lane changes, pedestrian crossings, or short-distance driving, leading to inaccurate forecasts and misdirected infrastructure investments that increase costs without solving real issues.

Solution

Built a PTV Vissim microsimulation model that combined system rules with real-world driver and pedestrian behaviors.

Workflow included:

Network modeling → input of location, road links, and connectors

Traffic modeling → vehicle types, speed distributions, routes, and signal controllers (position, timing, and programs)
Simulation runs → execution of congestion and growth scenarios

Calibration and validation → aligned simulation outputs with observed conditions using GEH (Geoffrey E. Havers) statistical validation

Unlike MKJI, which required assumptions on intersection types due to limited categories, Vissim allowed detailed customization of road geometry, traffic signal settings, and driving behavior parameters. This resulted in outputs that were closer to actual conditions and more reliable for planning.

Impact

• Identified future congestion risks (e.g., an intersection projected to worsen from “fair” to “poor” in 5 years) before they materialized
• Recommended lane reconfiguration (changing 4/1 UD to 5/1 UD, narrowing lanes from 3.5m to 2.8m), a cost-efficient adjustment that increased capacity without major new road investments
• Demonstrated how digital microsimulation provides a stronger foundation for policy-making and infrastructure investment, ensuring resources are allocated to the most impactful solutions

Skills & Tools

• Traffic Microsimulation (PTV Vissim) → modeled driver, vehicle, and pedestrian interactions
• Data-Driven Policy Design → transformed raw road and land use data into actionable insights
• Efficiency & Cost Optimization → avoided overbuilding by maximizing existing layouts
• Digital Transformation in Infrastructure → applied simulation technology to modernize urban planning and investment decisions

Keywords: digital transformation, data-driven policy, infrastructure investment, cost efficiency, traffic microsimulation, sustainable development