The program QUADRO 2, for estimating user costs associated with roadworks, has been available since mid-1982 for use as part of the economic appraisal of new road schemes, and for assisting in the planning of the current maintenance programme. This paper will review the early experience with the program, and consider how its use has contributed to the decision-making process. Examples will be given of the use of the program in assessing new road schemes, widening of existing roads, and individual current maintenance jobs. Some special problems have also been assessed, and these will be illustrated with a word of caution as to the limitations of the program. The paper will also review some of the practical and computational problems that have arisen for users, such as the limitations on queue length within the program, the necessity of specifying a diversion route, and the possibility of traffic growth to unrealistic levels. Amendments and developments to the program, which are currently under consideration, will also be briefly discussed, as will some results of sensitivity testing.(a) this report is presented in the form of an abstract. For the covering abstract of the seminar see IRRD 273510.
Samenvatting