What is traffic simulation used for in highway planning?

Traffic simulation is a vital tool in highway planning as it focuses on modeling vehicle flow and assessing potential congestion issues. By using sophisticated algorithms and software, planners can create virtual environments that mimic real-world traffic conditions. This allows them to analyze how vehicles will interact with various infrastructure changes like new road layouts, traffic signals, or additional lanes.

Through simulation, planners can observe how different variables—such as changes in traffic volume, road geometry, and the timing of signal lights—impact traffic patterns. This is crucial for identifying areas where congestion may occur, facilitating informed decision-making regarding design and operational improvements before implementation. Accurately forecasting these conditions helps in enhancing safety, reducing delays, and making more efficient use of transportation resources.

While other options mention aspects related to traffic studies, they do not specifically address the core purpose of traffic simulation in highway planning, which revolves around understanding and managing vehicle flow and congestion dynamics.