Research and publications

The given problem is a signalised staggered T intersection that is congested. The queue space between adjacent T intersections is filling up. There are also significant queues on the side streets.

The recommendations are that modelling software should be used that is appropriate for the task, and the engineer needs to be aware of the limitations of the different software packages.

Land Transport NZ (formerly Transfund NZ) commissioned Axel Wilke to prepare this booklet. The purpose was to contribute to the objectives of the New Zealand Transport Strategy by improving the efficiency and safety of the network.

Land Transport NZ has been assisting the traffic signal industry to increase its capability in design, construction, operation and maintenance of traffic signal installations. One of the components of this assistance has been to facilitate the development of an audit methodology for existing installations. Land Transport NZ commissioned audits of eight territorial local authorities’ installations. Other authorities have commissioned their own audits. This booklet summarises the findings of the audit reports. Its purpose is to assist and advise practitioners.

Government policy explicitly states that we will not try to build our way out of congestion. Yet Government transportation spending is at record levels, having more than doubled in the past five years and expected to continue growing significantly. The predominant share of this is for roading, much of it for new roads, and this allocation is not planned to reduce over the next decade.

Since 2006, Axel Wilke has been a guest lecturer at the University of Canterbury for the Masters of Transportation course and occasional undergraduate classes.

A University of Canterbury research team (Susan Krumdieck, Andre Dantas and Shannon Page) commissioned Traffix (now ViaStrada) for the peer review phase of their LTNZ research project. The topic is fascinating – researching the interaction between energy risk (i.e. oil supply) and urban form.

This paper, from the 2005 Transit NZ Roading Symposium, looks at available data to understand congestion trends, travel time variability and fuel price and supply and looks at ways to provide certainty for transportation. The paper argues that more emphasis should be put on travel demand management and support for walking, cycling and public transport. In turn, these measures (and sustainable transportation in general) have the potential to make car travel times more predictable, thus enhancing the opportunities for “planning for certainty”. The paper also makes recommendations for developing a comprehensive suite of travel indicators that better represents a more sustainable transport system.

This paper, from the 2005 NZ Cycling Conference, explores how cyclists can be accommodated at signalised intersections using specific cycle facilities and creating a more cycle-friendly environment by speed control.

Guidance is given where cycle lanes should be placed and the exceptions to the rules are explored. Advanced Stop Lines should be the standard treatment for cycle storage at the limit line, but Advanced Stop Boxes can sometimes be more appropriate. Slip lanes and bypasses for cyclists can overcome some safety problems and increase the level of service. Experienced cyclists can most effectively be assisted with turning right by design measures on the intersection approach, whilst hook turns and special signal phases are available to support less competent cyclists.

Cycle paths are complex to integrate into the operation of signalised cross intersections. Current New Zealand practice does not appear to be supported in law and a review is suggested.

A "Cycle Network and Route Planning Guide" has been produced to provide a best practice framework for local cycle planning strategies. Similarly, a "Cycle Design Supplement" (based on the Australian "Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice, Part 14: Bicycles" but with a number of significant differences) now provides consistent guidelines for the design of cycle facilities in New Zealand. An industry training course "Fundamentals of Planning and Design for Cycling" has also been developed and delivered to practitioners throughout New Zealand, to introduce the new technical information and "good practice" principles.

This paper, presented at the 2005 ITE Conference in Melbourne, summarises the development of these initiatives and outlines the various topics that they address. Specific points of difference to some of their overseas counterparts are also highlighted. Impressions on the success to date of these tools are also discussed, as well as thoughts for further development.

This project developed a design concept that would maintain the road’s arterial function, yet would significantly improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and residents. The design narrows the road, removes a significant amount of on-street parking, and provides cycle lanes, wide footpaths and numerous street trees. Three central islands with trees at significant locations make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road. Traffic speeds are expected to reduce as the trees grow, improving conditions for non-motorised road users.

This paper was written as part of a series of papers on sustainability for the engineering profession in New Zealand. A presidential task force on sustainability had been established in 2003 by Gerry Coates, then president of IPENZ. The results were widely promoted within IPENZ and presented at the IPENZ conference in April 2004.

There are a number of ways in which engineers and the engineering community can move New Zealand towards sustainability in transportation. A check-list is included at the end of this paper as an aid for transportation practitioners and engineers in general towards achieving this goal.