For the last 30 years, we have been contributing to intersection modelling for traffic engineers and planners through many unique innovations delivered in our powerful and world renowned software – SIDRA INTERSECTION

30 Years of Innovation in Intersection Modelling//
Another Step Forward in Powerful Traffic Analysis

We are proud to announce the release of SIDRA INTERSECTION 5 – loaded with many powerful and time-saving features to help you :

• Powerful intersection configuration and new highly accurate layout displays.
• Create intersection models in 10 minutes with easy intersection configuration and calibration methods, and over 100 TEMPLATES for roundabouts, signals, sign control and pedestrians available including all MUTCD roundabout design examples (new templates for freeway diamond interchange, freeway ramp metering signals, Pelican crossings and all-pedestrian phase at signalised intersection introduced in SIDRA INTERSECTION 5).
• An easy-to-use ROUNDABOUT METERING analysis methodwith much improved signal timing method in SIDRA INTERSECTION 5.
• NCHRP Report 572roundabout model based on US research is available in SIDRA INTERSECTION with significant extensions - forming the basis of the HCM 2010 roundabout model in SIDRA INTERSECTION.
• Application Programming Interface (API) to enable linking of other programs to SIDRA INTERSECTION much expanded in SIDRA INTERSECTION Version 5.
• Various programs and applications being made available under the umbrella of the term SIDRA UTILITIES (Input Comparison and Output Comparison programs, Volumes Excel application).

• No other software employs a powerful lane-by-lane capacity and performance analysis method and drive-cycle modeling like SIDRA INTERSECTION.
• Powerful environmental modeling to help you design green intersections.
• Leading analytical methodology based on Dr Akcelik's award-winning research and development work.

Read more about System Requirements | SIDRA UTILITIES & API

Recent Testimonials

"I have used SIDRA in USA, Asia and Australia for 20 years. It has continually improved and over the past six years I have found it extremely useful for analysis of roundabouts in California, Arizona, Oregon and Washington. It is quick and easy to use accurately and my clients respect the results."
Kevin Fehon / DKS Associates

"A great tool to enable students to undertake project work on live intersections as part of the academic syllabus"
Tom Mckune / Durban University of Technology

"I have been using SIDRA for the past 8 years and found all versions are intuitive and the output are very useful and concise for reporting."
Robert Kwok / Worley Parsons

"SIDRA is still our standard for roundabout analysis because of its solid basis in gap acceptance theory that has shown to be more reliable in the USA than empirical models based in other countries."
James Dunlop / NCDOT

"I have found SIDRA INTERSECTION to be a very reliable, versatile and effective tool for analysing intersection performance. The ability to calibrate the model to accurately represent existing intersection characteristics has been of significant benefit for both intersection design and future planning purposes."
Rob Day / RTA (NSW)

[Read more testimonials]

Here is a summary of new features in SIDRA INTERSECTION 5:

• Much improved roundabout and other intersection layout pictures.
• Extensive user interface improvements, including:
  • a more intuitive intersection geometry configuration method;
  • automatic lane discipline adjustments when intersection geometry or movement definitions are changed;
  • slip and continuous lane movements set automatically according to lane type specifications;
  • smaller number of input dialogs;
  • approaches & lanes data, roundabout data and movement definitions merged in the new "Geometry" dialog;
  • additional functions for faster data entry and processing in various dialogs;
  • easier access to Detailed Output tables and Graphs; and
  • clearer reporting of input and processing errors. 
• New templates including:
  • freeway diamond interchange,
  • freeway ramp metering signals,
  • Pelican pedestrian crossing signals,
  • all-pedestrian phase at signalised intersection.
• Modified Project file management and program control (Save function re-introduced, multiple sessions allowed).
• Enhanced method for copying and pasting tables from output reports (including Detailed Output report) into Word and Excel.
• Various model improvements including timing method for roundabout metering analysis.
• A number of SIDRA UTILITIES (incorporating API applications) such as Input Comparison and Output Comparison programs. See UTILITIES & API.
• Extended API method to enable access to most input and output data.
• Updated User Guide.

Notes

• You can install Version 5 and use it without affecting Version 4 installation. 
• The Project file format is the same for Versions 4 and 5 sip extension) and a file created by one version can be used in the other.  However, if you run both versions of the program at the same time, you should not open the same Project file in both sessions. 

Download: SI5 Update Notes

System Requirements

• Memory: 1 GB RAM or higher
• Display: 1024x768 or higher resolution monitor
• Operating System: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP with Service Pack (SP) 2
• 32-bit and 64-bit versions supported
• Prerequisites: SIDRA INTERSECTION will install .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and SQL Compact edition. These are prerequisites for installation of the software.
• Additional: Internet connection for registration and activation of software licence, and for software updates.
• Additional system requirements for FLOATING Licence use are described in the FLOATING Licence page.

SIDRA INTERSECTION

SIDRA INTERSECTION software (previously called SIDRA and aaSIDRA) is an advanced micro-analytical traffic evaluation tool that employs lane-by-lane and vehicle drive cycle models. SIDRA INTERSECTION is a renowned software package used worldwide for intersection (junction) capacity, level of service and performance analysis by traffic design, operations and planning professionals. SIDRA INTERSECTION incorporates leading analytical methodology based on Dr Akcelik's award-winning research and development work.

Superior Methodologies

SIDRA INTERSECTION, essentially a mathematical model for traffic analysis, has been a valuable technology transfer tool based on extensive research carried out in Australia, USA and elsewhere. It has been developed continuously in response to feedback from practising traffic engineers and planners. This feedback has improved the methods used in SIDRA INTERSECTION and expanded its functionality to cover a wider range of problems. Developed over 30 years, SIDRA INTERSECTION uses one of the most advanced methodologies of any traffic design package.

Intersection Evaluation & Design

SIDRA INTERSECTION model can be used to evaluate and compare capacity, level of service and performance of alternative treatments involving signalised intersections, roundabouts, two-way stop and give-way (yield) sign-control, all-way (4-way and 3-way) stop sign control, single-point urban interchanges, and signalised midblock crossings for pedestrians, all in one package. This is unlike other software such as ARCADY, PICADY and OSCADY from TRL (UK) which model different types of intersections in separate packages. Intersections with up to 8 legs (approaches), each as a two-way road, one-way approach or one-way exit can be modelled with ease. Templates are provided for analysis of zebra crossings, merging and basic freeway segments. Provision is made for analysis of closely-spaced intersections.

Model Consistency

SIDRA INTERSECTION ensures model consistency in evaluating alternative intersection treatments. This applies to different types of intersection including signalised intersections, roundabouts, two-way stop and give-way /yield sign-control, all-way stop sign control, single-point urban interchanges, signalised pedestrian crossings and more.

Lane-by-Lane Model

Unique lane-by-lane capacity and performance analysis method is used allowing for exclusive lanes and unequal lane utilisation. This method is superior to approach-based and lane-group models used in other software packages.

Drive-Cycle Model

Drive-cycle (modal analysis) method for prediction of operating cost, fuel consumption, greenhouse gas (CO2) and pollutant (CO, NOX, HC) emissions, and vehicle delay components including stopped delay, acceleration - deceleration delay, queuing delay and geometric delay.

Model Features

Calibrate traffic models for your local conditions. Carry out sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of changes on parameters representing intersection geometry and driver behaviour. Analyse oversaturated conditions making use of the time-dependent delay, queue length and stop rate models. Investigate implications of alternative capacity models using advanced model settings.

Defaults System

SIDRA INTERSECTION has an extensive defaults system that covers most input data and traffic model parameters. You can create your own customised model and edit the default parameters set for your own purposes, e.g. to calibrate some parameters for your local conditions.

Design Life

Carry out a Design Life or Flow Scale analysis to assess impact of normal traffic growth or impact of developments. Allow for different growth rates for individual movements and use options for setting different analysis objectives including the Final Year, Worst Movement Level of Service Target, Worst Lane Level of Service Target, Capacity and Practical Capacity.

Intersection Geometry

Handle intersections with up to 8 legs, each with one-way or two-way traffic, one-lane or multi- lane approaches, and short lanes, slip and continuous bypass lanes and turn bans as relevant. Design intersection geometry including lane use arrangements taking advantage of the unique lane-by-lane analysis method of SIDRA INTERSECTION. Analyse many design alternatives to optimise the intersection geometry. Analyse the impact of intersection flaring through short lanes (turn bays, lanes with parking upstream, and loss of a lane at the exit side). Analyse complicated cases of shared lanes and opposed turns, e.g. permissive and protected phases, slip lanes, turns on red.

Vehicles & Drivers

Analyse effects of heavy vehicles on intersection performance. Use heavy vehicle equivalents for model calibration to allow for very large vehicles in specific traffic streams. Use SIDRA INTERSECTION output on vehicle paths through intersection (negotiation distance, radius and speed) in checking your intersection design. Investigate driver characteristics including driver response time estimates associated with queue discharge. Use this information to calibrate microsimulation models.

Performance Measures

SIDRA INTERSECTION provides a large number of intersection performance measures. Standard performance measures such as delay, queue length and number of stops as well as measures to help with environmental impacts and economic analysis are provided. The performance measures offered by SIDRA INTERSECTION include the following:

• Average delay (stopped delay, queuing delay, geometric delay, control delay): seconds per vehicle, seconds per person
• Total delay (delay rate): veh-hours per hour, person-hours per hour
• Back of queue (average, percentile): vehicles, persons, feet, metres
• Cycle-average queue (average, percentile): vehicles, persons, feet, metres
• Lane blockage probability
• Overflow queue (vehicles)
• Effective stop rate: number of stops per vehicle or per person
• Capacity (veh/h)
• Degree of saturation (v/c ratio): percentage
• Flow ratio (arrival flow / saturation flow ratio)
• Practical spare capacity: percentage
• Queue move-up rate: number of stops per vehicle or per person
• Proportion queued: percentage
• Average travel speed: mph, km/h
• Average running speed: mph, km/h
• Negotiation speed in intersection area: mph, km/h
• Performance Index: a weighted combination of delay, stops and queue length
• Pollutant emissions (CO, HC, NOx, CO2): grams, kg (per hour, per km)
• Fuel consumption: gallons, litres, mpg, L/100km
• Operating COST: Dollars (per hour, per mile or per km)

Performance and level of service results are given at various aggregation levels: individual lanes, individual movements, approaches, and intersection.

Performance and level of service results are given for: vehicles, pedestrians, and persons (results for pedestrians and people in vehicles combined).

Level of Service Options

SIDRA INTERSECTION offers a large number of alternative Level of Service (LOS) methods and LOS Target settings to determine acceptable design:

• Delay - HCM Method for vehicles
• Delay - HCM Method for pedestrians
• Delay (RTA NSW Method) for vehicles
• Combined Delay and Degree of Saturation for vehicles
• Degree of Saturation only (SIDRA Method) for vehicles
• Degree of Saturation (ICU Method) for vehicles only
• Roundabout LOS options:
  • Same as Signalised Intersections
  • SIDRA Roundabout LOS
  • Same as Sign Control

Unique Set of Results for Each Analysis

As an analytical tool, SIDRA INTERSECTION produces unique deterministic results for a given set of inputs while software packages based on microsimulation generally do not. This applies to the capacity, performance and level of service estimates for each lane, each movement, each approach and the intersection.

Emissions & Energy

SIDRA INTERSECTION estimates the cost, energy and pollution implications of your intersection design using a unique vehicle path model (4-mode elemental model with detailed acceleration, deceleration, idling, cruise elements). This drive-cycle (modal analysis) method coupled with a power-based vehicle model helps to estimate operating cost, fuel consumption, greenhouse gas (CO2) and pollutant (CO, NOX, HC) emissions towards reducing environmental impacts of traffic congestion. The model includes estimates of acceleration and deceleration times and distances for light and heavy vehicles coupled with a polynomial model of acceleration-time profile.

The four-mode elemental model used in SIDRA INTERSECTION for fuel consumption and emission estimation includes the following features:

• Fuel consumption, operating cost and pollutant emissions are estimated for each lane of traffic separately.
• In each lane, the model is applied to queued and unqueued vehicles separately according to the proportion queued estimated by SIDRA INTERSECTION. For unqueued vehicles, only the cruise and geometric stop components apply. For queued vehicles, the "drive cycles" are estimated distinguishing between major stops, queue move-ups (stops in queue) and geometric stops (slow-down or full stop in the absence of any other vehicle). These drive cycles are very different for different intersection types (signalised, sign-controlled, roundabout), for different signal phasings (one or two green periods in the cycle), for yield and stop control, and for different congestion levels.
• If the approach and exit section cruise speeds are different for unqueued through vehicles at traffic signals and priority movements at unsignalised intersections, they are considered to be subject to an acceleration or deceleration during their travel.

• Drive cycles are defined by the initial and final speeds in each element of the driving manoeuvre. Approach and exit cruise speeds, intersection negotiation speeds and queue move-up speeds are used for this purpose. Some of these speeds are specified as input by the user, some are calculated by the program according to the intersection geometry and traffic congestion levels.
• Drive cycle information is used to calculate acceleration and deceleration times and distances for each element of the drive cycle individually - effective cruise distance, cruise time and idling time are calculated as well as traffic performance estimates (delay, number of stops).
• The fuel consumption, emission rates and operating cost values are calculated for each element of the drive cycle individually. The results are added together for the entire queued vehicle manoeuvre, and then the results for queued and unqueued vehicles are aggregated.
• Fuel consumption and emission rates are calculated from a set of equations which use such vehicle parameters as mass and fuel / emission efficiency rates, as well as road grade and relevant speeds (cruise, initial, final).
• In the above process, light and heavy vehicles are treated separately with different parameters (e.g. different mass, different acceleration and deceleration characteristics).

[SIDRA INTERSECTION pollutant emission and energy model]

Benefit-Cost Analysis

SIDRA INTERSECTION performance estimates (delay, number of stops, average speed, etc.) can be used as parameters in your economic analysis model, or the operating cost estimates of SIDRA INTERSECTION can be used directly, for Benefit - Cost analysis to evaluate intersection treatments. This is enhanced by the Demand Analysis (Design Life or Flow Scale) facility. Annual Sums for performance statistics such as total delay, total operating cost, total fuel consumption, total CO2 emission per year are also provided for this purpose.

Advanced Software for Signal Analysis

SIDRA INTERSECTION is a powerful software package for timing, capacity, performance and level of service analysis of signalised intersections (junctions controlled by traffic lights) including signal coordination effects. It uses an advanced critical movement analysis method allowing for overlap movements and movements with two green periods per cycle.

Traffic Signal Timing

Determine signal timings using fixed-time / pretimed and actuated signal analysis methods for any intersection geometry allowing for simple as well as complex phasing arrangements involving overlap movements. Select one of many cycle time options available. Use advanced signal timing options such as green split priority for coordinated movements, equal and unequal target degrees of saturation, cycle time optimisation for fixed-time / pretimed signals or coordinated actuated signals, and maximum green optimisation for actuated signals.

Signal Model Features

Analyse the effects of turn on red and semi-actuated signals. Make use of features such as undetected movements, dummy movements and phase transition data. Use the graphical input method for easy specification of phasing and timing data including known phase times.

SCATS Control

For intersections running under SCATS control, use fixed-time / pretimed analysis method to emulate equal degree of saturation method used by SCATS for green splits. Make use of SCATS parameter estimates (maximum flow and headway, occupancy time and space time at maximum flow) given by SIDRA INTERSECTION for calibration purposes where applicable.

Cycle Time & Green Split Options

SIDRA INTERSECTION offers different options to specify the desired method of cycle time calculation (subject to minimum and maximum cycle time constraints):

• Practical Cycle Time: A cycle time and green times that satisfy the practical (target) degree of saturation for critical movements are determined.
• Optimum Cycle Time: A cycle time that optimises a selected performance measure is determined for fixed-time pretimed or coordinated actuated signals. One of a large number of options can be chosen as the performance function to determine the best cycle time.
• User-Given Cycle Time: The green times using the given cycle time are determined for fixed-time pretimed or coordinated actuated signals.
• User Given Phase Times: The phase times given for the selected sequence are used. In this case, the phase times are added to determine the cycle time.

  The Green Split Priority option is available for the allocation of longer green times to coordinated movements while keeping other movements at their target (practical) degree of saturation levels.

  Parameters for Actuated Signal timing analysis include Maximum Green Setting, Gap Setting and Effective Detection Zone Length. Actuated signal timings can be optimised by varying the Maximum Green Settings.

  [SIDRA INTERSECTION for signals]

Advanced Software for Roudabouts

SIDRA INTERSECTION is the most popular traffic software for roundabouts and other intersections around the world. Multi-lane roundabouts and single-lane roundabouts with up to 8 legs (each as a two-way road, one-way approach or one-way exit) can be analysed with ease.

[SIDRA INTERSECTION for roundabouts]

Roundabout Metering Model

SIDRA INTERSECTION offers a unique Roundabout Metering analysis method which enables the evaluation of the effect of metering signals on roundabout capacity and performance with ease. This helps to solve the problem of excessive queuing and delays at approaches affected by unbalanced traffic streams at roundabouts.

Model Calibration

As advanced software for roundabout analysis, SIDRA INTERSECTION provides powerful model calibration facilities. Calibration parameters such as Environment Factor and the Sensitivity Analysis facility can be used to achieve observed capacity values. The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) version of SIDRA INTERSECTION uses a default Environment Factor of 1.2 to match the lower capacity estimates based on the findings of NCHRP 3-65 research on US roundabouts.

Dynamic Gap-Acceptance Behavior

The critical gap and follow-up headway parameters used in modelling the gap-acceptance behaviour of drivers entering a roundabout depend on roundabout geometry as well as the circulating flow rates. This allows drivers to accept shorter gaps at roundabouts as demand flow rates increase over time. Capacity of roundabout entry lanes also depends on lane balance of circulating flows as well as balance of origin-destination demand patterns.

Alternative Cacity Models

SIDRA INTERSECTION offers use of alternative roundabout capacity models for comparison with its main model. These include the NCHRP 572 Roundabout Model based on US research on roundabouts as described in NCHRP Report 572. Its implementation in SIDRA INTERSECTION software offers numerous extensions to the NCHRP 572 roundabout capacity model.

Other alternative roundabout capacity models include:

• German empirical and gap-acceptance models,
• old Australian (NAASRA 1986) model,
• US HCM 2000 model for single-lane roundabouts, and
• US FHWA model.

The FHWA roundabout model is similar to the UK TRL linear regression ("empirical" model) used in the UK roundabout software packages (ARCADY and RODEL).

[NCHRP 572 roundabout model in SIDRA INTERSECTION]

Pedestrian Effect on Roundabout Capacity

Pedestrian effects on roundabout entry lane capacity and exit lane capacity (vehicles giving way to pedestrians on exit) are modelled in SIDRA INTERSECTION. Staged movements are used to correspond to the approach and exit sides of the roundabout leg. Output relevant to the effect of pedestrians at roundabouts is given in output.

Bypass Lanes at Roundabouts

SIDRA INTERSECTION allows detailed modelling of slip and continuous bypass lanes at roundabouts. Slip lanes can be give-way / yield or stop controlled. Both shared and exclusive slip lanes can be modelled.

Modelling Closely-Spaced Intersections

While SIDRA INTERSECTION is a single-intersection analysis software, its model does not assume isolated operations. Thus, it can be used for analysing closely-spaced intersections, pedestrian crossings near intersections, or any number and type of multiple intersections. This applies to both undersaturated and oversaturated cases, i.e. whatever the degrees of saturation (v/c ratios) are. The important aspects of modelling closely-spaced intersections are:

• platooned / bunched arrivals from upstream intersections, and
• blockage of downstream entry lanes.

SIDRA INTERSECTION has the following provisions for multiple intersection analysis as in the case of closely-spaced intersections and network applications.

• Signal coordination effects on signalised intersection performance can be modelled using the Arrival Type or Proportion Arriving During Green parameter.
• Upstream signal effects on roundabouts and sign controlled intersections can be modelled using the Extra Bunching parameter.
• The Capacity Adjustment parameter can be used to model the amount of capacity reduction for upstream intersection lanes based on the probability of blockage estimated for downstream intersection lanes.

It is important to specify the approach and exit lane lengths and number of lanes (including any approach and exit short lanes) for all intersections realistically, especially for internal approaches between intersections so that queue storage problems can be identified.

Lane underutilisation is an important issue at closely-spaced intersections. Lane flow estimates of SIDRA INTERSECTION should be inspected and lane utilisation specifications should be given if necessary.

Closely-Spaced Roundabouts & Sign-Controlled Intersections

For platooned arrivals at roundabouts and sign-controlled intersections (due to upstream signals), the Extra Bunching parameter is used. Platooned arrivals are not as important at roundabouts unless the extra bunching is very high and the proportion queued is very low. This is because roundabout capacity is determined by the circulating flow, and the headway distribution of circulating flow is affected by queues on roundabout approaches which filter out platooning depending on the amount of queuing. All modelled by SIDRA INTERSECTION.

The effect of upstream roundabouts or sign-controlled intersections on the arrival pattern at a roundabout or sign-controlled intersection approach is minimal since the departure patterns from upstream unsignalised intersections are randomised due to the gap-acceptance process.

Closely-Spaced Signalised Intersections

The following are important steps when using SIDRA INTERSECTION for closely-spaced signalised intersections with signal coordination.

• Run each intersection individually and determine the cycle time. The intersection with the longest cycle time is the critical intersection. Select a system cycle time accordingly, specify this cycle time for each intersection, and re-analyse. Use the green split priority method to favour the internal approaches in green time allocation.
• Nominate internal approach movements as "coordinated" for platooned arrivals, and specify Arrival Types or Proportion Arriving During Green.
• If queues exceed the available storage spaces, change the signal phasings and timings in order to minimise the queue lengths.
• Alternatively, model the effect of internal approach queues (blockages) on external approach capacities, delay and queues using the Capacity Adjustment parameter.

HCM Version of SIDRA INTERSECTION

The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) version of SIDRA INTERSECTION offers options for US Customary and Metric units. SIDRA INTERSECTION is compatible with the Highway Capacity Manual. However, unlike some software packages available in the USA, the HCM version of SIDRA INTERSECTION does not claim to be a simple replication of the HCM procedures. Instead, SIDRA INTERSECTION offers various extensions on the capabilities HCM offers.

Extensions SIDRA INTERSECTION Offers - General

Generally (for all types of intersection), SIDRA INTERSECTION uses more advanced models and methods, including lane-by-lane analysis (rather than analysis by lane groups), modelling of short lanes, detailed modelling of geometric delays, and the use of drive cycles (cruise, acceleration, deceleration and idling) for detailed modelling of delay and travel time components as well as operating cost, fuel consumption and emission estimation.

SIDRA INTERSECTION includes various configuration options to allow the user to choose between the HCM and standard SIDRA model options, e.g. the HCM Delay and Queue model options.

Some HCM models or methods are used in all versions of SIDRA INTERSECTION, including the HCM Level of Service method and criteria, the delay and queue progression factors for signal coordination effects, and All-Way Stop Control (AWSC) analysis method (the SIDRA AWSC model is currently based on the HCM 1994 edition, and there are some differences between the SIDRA and HCM two-way stop control models).

The HCM version of SIDRA INTERSECTION is based on the calibration of most model parameters using the HCM defaults as applicable. Currently, SIDRA INTERSECTION uses HCM 2000 defaults, and HCM 2010 defaults will be adopted after its publication.

Extensions SIDRA INTERSECTION Offers - Roundabouts

The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) version of SIDRA INTERSECTION uses a default Environment Factor of 1.2 to match the lower capacity estimates based on US roundabout research. At the same time, SIDRA INTERSECTION offers the option to use the NCHRP Report 572 roundabout capacity model based on US research. The extensions of the NCHRP Report 572 model include:

• Roundabouts with more than 2 lanes can be analysed.
• Roundabout Metering Signals can be analysed using the NCHRP Report 572 roundabout capacity model.
• For closely-spaced roundabouts, or pedestrian crossings near roundabouts, the Capacity Adjustment parameter can be used to specify capacity reduction for upstream intersection lanes using the probability of blockage estimated for downstream intersection lanes with limited queue space.
• Heavy Vehicle adjustment factor needed for capacity adjustment is calculated for each lane rather than the whole approach.
• Lane Flows are determined allowing for user-specified and program-determined lane underutilisation cases.
• Short Lane Capacity and any excess flow into adjacent lanes are determined using equivalent gap-acceptance parameters from the NCHRP model.
• The Origin-Destination factor and adjustment factor for Entry / Circulating Flow Ratio for unbalanced flow conditions are applicable.
• Geometric delays are added to delay estimates allowing for roundabout negotiation speeds and distances.
• SIDRA INTERSECTION offers options for choice of alternative LOS criteria for roundabouts. The LOS Target parameter can be used to specify the acceptable LOS level for particular intersection types.

[HCM version of SIDRA INTERSECTION]

Utilities and API

We will be offering various small-size programs under the umbrella term SIDRA UTILITIES.  These will include programs we are developing using the SIDRA INTERSECTION Application Programming Interface (API).

SIDRA INTERSECTION API provides a simple programming interface that enables external applications to communicate with SIDRA INTERSECTION.  This has been delveloped in order to enable users to interface other programs to SIDRA INTERSECTION. This API provides the following capabilities:

• access to most input and output data (expanded significantly in SIDRA INTERSECTION 5);
• programmatic access to the Site structure contained in a Project; and
• a method for processing (running the program).

A licensed version of SIDRA INTERSECTION must be installed on a computer before the API can be used. The API will not work with a Trial Version of the software.

Therefore, SIDRA UTILITIES based on SIDRA INTERSECTION API require a licenced version of SIDRA INTERSECTION to be installed on your computer.

The following utility programs and applications for SIDRA INTERSECTION 5 are in preparation and will be made available on this web page as soon as they are finalised:

• OUTPUT COMPARISON (program to compare output statistics for two Sites - previously SITE COMPARISON); and
• INPUT COMPARISON (program to compare input data for two Sites).

The utilities for SIDRA INTERSECTION 5 will have significant enhancements compared with earlier versions of these programs for SIDRA INTERSECTION 4.

[SIDRA INTERSECTION API]
[Programmers Download]
[Users Download]

Documents for Programmers

The following zip file contains documents available for programmers who want to develop API applications for SIDRA INTERSECTION 5.

Programmers requiring information about the DLL interface should first refer to the Help_SI50API.chm help file. More detailed information about the DLL interface, the COM interface, and C# source code for the sample API program Site Comparison will be available on request.

For SIDRA INTERSECTION Users

The following sample API applications are available for download. Your system may impose restrictions on downloaded files. This can lead to problems when using the downloaded files, including:

• Help file contents not displayed,
• security warning questions about the publisher of the software, and
• blocking of Excel macros even if your security settings normally allow running of macros.

If any of these problems occur, right click the file name or icon, select Properties in the menu, then select the General tab and click Unblock.

Linking to Other Traffic Software

SIDRA INTERSECTION API will facilitate linking to:

• transport planning (travel demand / travel forecasting) packages such as EMME/2, VISSUM, CUBE, QRS II, TRAFFIX, TransCAD,
• microsimulation packages such as CORSIM/TSIS, VISSIM, AIMSUN, PARAMICS, DYNASIM, SIMTRAFIC, WATSIM,
• roundabout design packages such as TORUS and MX, and
• network packages such as TRANSYT (TRL, UK) and TRANSYT7F (Mctrans, USA).

[Traffic Models]
[Traffic Simulation]

SIDRA INTERSECTION User Interface

SIDRA INTERSECTION offers an easy-to-use Microsoft Office 2007 style user interface with enhanced file management, input dialogs, error handling, a detailed input report, numerous output reports and graphical displays and a graphs facility.

Simpls Input Preparation

SIDRA INTERSECTION offers graphics-based input dialogs. The intersection geometry and signal phasing data style of SIDRA INTERSECTION reflects the design process directly. Together with the use of Layout and Volume Summary displays for easy checking of data, the graphical data simplify the input preparation task to a great extent, and reduce data errors.

Templates

Use the Templates facility for common intersection layouts help to reduce data preparation time greatly. Over 100 TEMPLATES for roundabouts, signals, sign control and pedestrians are available including all MUTCD roundabout design examples.

Easy Intersection Configuration

SIDRA allows creation of intersection models with ease using time-saving intersection configuration and calibration methods. Pedestrian data are given in dedicated pedestrian input dialogs including enhanced pedestrian timing data. Movement priorities (opposed and opposing movements) are set automatically when diagonal legs, deleted approaches and banned movements are introduced, and when movement type (e.g. slip lane) or control (e.g. major road / stop sign) is changed.

Inspect Output With Ease

SIDRA INTERSECTION output includes capacity, timing and performance results reported for individual lanes, individual movements, movement groupings (such as vehicles and pedestrians), and for the intersection as a whole. Estimates of capacity and performance characteristics (including annual sums) such as delay, queue length, stop rate as well as operating cost, fuel consumption and pollutant emissions are available for all intersection types.

Learning

SIDRA INTERSECTION contains comprehensive help facilities. Extensive documentation (500-page User Guide plus major supporting technical reports and papers) is available.

We have been running highly successful SIDRA INTERSECTION training workshops to help you solve intersection evaluation and design problems effectively and reliably.

[Download articles from SIDRA SOLUTIONS website]
[Learn about SIDRA INTERSECTION training workshops]

"I have found SIDRA to be a valuable tool to assist in traffic analysis; the model is able to reflect existing operating site conditions accurately and this in turn gives confidence in the SIDRA predictions for future traffic scenarios when assessing project proposals. The professional support from the SIDRA Team adds value to a user friendly product."
Terry KEATING / TPK & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD

"I have found SIDRA to be very useful in my line of work, always learning new way to do things."
Daniel Telford / O'Donnell QLD Dept of Transport and Main Roads

"I use SIDRA 4 signal phasing, so that I can use that data as input for my DYNAMEQ microsimulation software. The DYNAMEQ software is designed to look at area-wide traffic flows together with measures of congestion, such as lane and node occupancy. I use the SIDRA phasing data as inputs when I test alternative scenarios."
Paul van den Bos / Transport Modelling

"I was introduced to SIDRA in 2001 and attended the Sept 2002 SIDRA 2.1 course in Auckland. In the last 6 months I have used the modelling software approx 10 hours/week. I find it an extremely effective in analysing alternatives and use the capacity and performance characteristics such as delay, queue lengths in economic roading studies. (You still have to carry out on-site queue length and delay studies to calibrate the model.)"
Tom Thompson / Opus Consultants

"Having taught them the theory, we use SIDRA to introduce students to practical aspects of trying out different intersection configurations. As well as being the industry standard in this part of the world for isolated intersection analysis, SIDRA is very straightforward for students to get the hang of. This makes it a logical choice as a teaching tool."
Dr Glen Koorey / University of Canterbury

"Sidra is a wonderful tool for assessing individual intersections"
Edmond Platon / RTA

"When our agency was tasked to perform a benefit/cost analysis for nearly twenty projects within a months� time, we did not know of any software that could help us. When we were informed of SIDRA software and how it could be applied to our tasks, we immediately used the available trial version, and completed our tasks within a three-week timeframe. I'm sold on the software, and I'm encouraging the North Carolina Department of Transportation to partner with the other metropolitan planning organizations throughout the state to purchase SIDRA under one contract to allow statewide usage."
Kenneth Withrow / North Carolina Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization