Simulation and Evaluation of Automated Vehicle Identification at Weigh-in-Motion Inspection Stations

This paper describes the development and validation of a discrete event microsimulation model that was applied to investigate the implementation of automated vehicle identification (AVI) technologies at Nordel Inspection Station in Delta, British Columbia. Current operational policies require commercial vehicles passing through the area to be inspected. The study, which includes an extensive field survey to collect validation data, determined that the implementation of a conservative industry participation of 10% in the AVI program would result in benefits ranging from $2.4 million to $7.9 million (2008 CAD), or benefit–cost ratios ranging from 11 to 47 for a range of net-present value project costs of $50 to $200,000. Benefits also include the reduction of emissions, with 5-year greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions ranging from 2,200 to 7,200 metric tons, or a cost of $9.1 to $123 per reduction of 1 ton of GHG, for a range of project implementation scenarios.