Road Network Evaluation from a Reliability Perspective: An Accessibility and Network Closure Vulnerability Approach

Abstract

The reliability of transportation networks, an emerging field of research, attracts numerous researchers around the world. This paper presents a literature taxonomy of research on the reliability of road networks and an assessment of existing road network evaluation methodologies from the viewpoint of practicability, and suggests a new road network evaluation methodology for the prioritization of links to be improved in response to network closure vulnerability. The literature taxonomy includes a subdivision of reliability studies based on a broad range of relevant criteria including conceptual studies, mathematical theory, network evaluation methodologies, descriptive studies, application or case studies and ways to improve reliability. A detailed assessment of existing network evaluation methodologies is presented along with their strengths and weaknesses from a practical perspective. A network performance index is proposed for the evaluation of links. An application of the proposed methodology to the Tohoku regional road network, where numerous links were closed after the Great East Japan Earthquake, is presented.