Procedure to Analyze the Performance of Urban Networks in Brazilian Cities

Abstract

This paper intends to establish a procedure for analyzing urban road network performances, with deficient functional hierarchy. The problem occurs in many Brazilian cities, in which the capacity of the main urban network is not sufficient enough to handle the necessities of the through traffic that takes advantage of the local network. The conflicts are then stressed between the interests of the traffic (translated into service quality associated with the main roads) and the interests of the community (expressed in terms of quality of life related to the conditions observed on the local roads). This balance of interests may be represented through traffic operating indicators—such as vehicle flows and speeds, which are generally available even under the context of a lack of data. Interventions are proposed and tested for the main and local systems that would ensure satisfactory levels for the quality of service and quality of life. The procedure aims to stimulate the participation of the intervenient actors, trying to converge to a traded solution.