A macroscopic model of Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford, with two microsimulation subnetworks covering two key corridors to and from Leeds. The model enables both the strategic and detailed local analysis of different transport interventions and development proposals to understand impacts and improve decision making.

Fore have developed an area-wide Aimsun model of the entire Wakefield urban area, encompassing an existing model of Wakefield and a model of the A369 Leeds to Pontefract corridor. The model has been developed to test several public transport and active mode improvement schemes along two key corridors between Wakefield and Leeds and can also be used to test the impacts of development proposals in the area.

The newly developed area-wide model runs at a macroscopic level, meaning the strategic effects of reassignment can be assessed which was a fundamental requirement of the modelling scope. Two microsimulation subnetworks of the A61 and A639 corridors to and from Leeds have then been developed to assess the detailed local impacts of delivering several public transport and active mode improvement schemes.

The model is fully validated at a macroscopic level meaning that bespoke microsimulation subnetworks can be created across the entire model area, thus providing a flexible off-the-shelf model for use by Wakefield Council.

The model is currently being used to assess the impact of delivering two Transforming City Fund schemes across the two corridors including the provision of bus lanes, the reallocation of road space to cyclists and the provision of bus priority measures.

The model also includes several forecasting scenarios that are in line with those required for TAG compliant appraisal work and therefore includes a range of future development scenarios having regard to the likely delivery of development sites across the model area. The detailed outputs of the model will be subsequently used to undertake cost-benefit analysis as part of the appraisal process.

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