Integrating road network operations planning into real-time traffic management: A conceptual framework

Management of road networks is an ever-evolving challenge, particularly as urbanization and mobility demands grow. Effectively addressing this challenge involves integrating high-level directions from various strategies, policies, and plans into network operating plans and real-time traffic control operations through a comprehensive network management system. In collaboration with the Queensland Department of Transportation and Main Roads (TMR), this study introduces a new framework for performance-based, multimodal network management. It aims to enhance the alignment between daily operations and strategic objectives by offering a systematic approach for translating high-level intents into real-time traffic management. In addition, this is supported by proposing a conceptual interface design to support the complete implementation of the framework, including performance visualization and operational recommendations, thereby addressing current shortcomings in existing frameworks and management practices and offering a robust solution for evolving network needs.