congestion, stagnant productivity, air quality, and safety issues. The growth in trade, particularly following the North American Free Trade Agreement, has intensified truck traffic, underscoring the need for such detailed planning and predictive models. TAFT incorporates adjustments for the Highway Performance Monitoring System, non-recurring congestion, and time-of-day variations to reflect an August weekday scenario, enhancing the model's precision in predicting vehicle miles traveled and other travel metrics for long-term planning. TAFT’s strengths include its thorough modeling process and its ability to integrate real- time data with adjustments for factors such as non-recurring congestion. However, the model's computational demands and adjustments for specific scenarios may not always capture unique local conditions effectively. Recent updates to TAFT involve enhanced integration with real-time data from traffic sensors and GPS devices, as well as advanced scenario analysis capabilities to better evaluate potential projects and policy changes. These improvements have enhanced TAFT’s accuracy for long-term planning and truck traffic analysis, supporting NCTCOG’s efforts in infrastructure project prioritization and regional planning. Comparison of Platforms Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) offers national freight flow estimates, enabling Fort Worth to understand regional trends and identify high-volume corridors. This data helps inform safety- focused infrastructure measures, especially in areas with significant through-traffic. Replica provides real-time data on congestion and hourly traffic volumes specific to Fort Worth. Monitoring these insights allows the city to make timely traffic management adjustments on key freight routes, reducing both congestion and crash risks. TAFT (NCTCOG Travel Demand Model) is long-term forecasting and scenario analysis aid Fort Worth in anticipating future freight demand and prioritizing infrastructure planning. This model supports proactive safety measures by pinpointing corridors where truck traffic is projected to increase. Takeaway Freight Management: Use FAF for broad freight flow trends, Replica for real-time traffic management, and TAFT for long-term infrastructure planning, which allows for a well-rounded approach to truck safety and efficiency in Fort Worth’s freight network.
36
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online