The purpose of this report is to provide guidance for analysts and modeling managers on successfully applying traffic simulation analyses. This report presents systematic ways to determine the appropriate scope and budget for traffic analysis efforts using microsimulation, resulting in better project and program decisions on transportation improvement projects. This report focuses on conducting traffic analysis for geometric and operation design projects during a typical day. This type of analysis is customarily performed during project development by State transportation departments and reviewed by U.S. Department of Transportation staff for interstate access and other related requirements. This report is consistent with the seven-step process outlined in Traffic Analysis Toolbox Volume III: Guidelines for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software. Considering that each transportation agency has unique needs and resources, this report can be used by any agency to develop its own framework for determining the level of effort. Putting into perspective the challenge of meeting the increasing needs of traffic analyses while keeping up with limited budgets, this report tackles different critical areas of those analyses by pinpointing best practices and identifying ways to tailor the level of effort invested to the analysis expectations. (Author/publisher)
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