Simulation analysis of the western 3rd ring road project in Krakow and its forecast impact upon the urban transport network performance

Abstract

The paper presents results from simulation analysis of the western 3rd ring road project in the city of Krakow (i.e. Trasa Lagiewnicka, Trasa Pychowicka and Trasa Zwierzyniecka), performed in the macroscopic model of transport system in the Krakow metropolitan area. Simulation works reveal shifts in traffic flows and changes in urban transport network performance which would likely take place after the stage-wise construction of consecutive 3rd ring road western sections. Results indicate that the analysed road schemes would indeed have a relevant impact upon travel conditions, though in initial stages these would be rather limited and confined to the southern part of the city. Therefore, completion of the whole western section of the 3rd ring road is crucial to its overall effectiveness and would only then bring substantial benefits on a city-wide scale. Simulation works seem to confirm that the future 3rd ring road would become an essential and highly-utilised link in the urban road network and would provide a much more efficient connection between the northern and southern parts of the Krakow city. However, apart from the projected benefits, it is also important to underline potential negative implications – and consequently, further changes in city transport system should envisage reduction of the road network capacity within the inner-city area. This would then provide the best possible chance of fostering the improvements achieved with the 3rd ring road scheme: i.e., positive changes in accessibility and travelling conditions across the whole city and long-term, sustainable traffic congestion relief in the inner-city Krakow area.