Integrated Corridor Management: Simulation Model Conversion Between VISUM and VISSIM

This research successfully validates the ability to convert a regional planning-level model (VISUM) into a working microsimulation, operations-level model (VISSIM). The analysis is undertaken for a simulation of the Interstate 205 and nearby arterial roadway corridor in Portland, Oregon. The research outlines some lessons learned through this process and areas for further research to determine the full effectiveness of this type of model conversion. To evaluate the modeling related issues associated with the conversion and its application, including VISSIM’s dynamic assignment parameter, this paper evaluates two extreme or boundary conditions of corridor operational strategies with a non-recurring interstate traffic incident to document the effects of relaying incident and diversion routing information to corridor drivers. The focus of this research is on the model conversion process, using the testing to determine issues relevant to the conversion process.