Multimodal transportation systems analysis to characterize petroleum-related freight flows

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to inform planning, engineering, and management decisions concerning transportation systems that serve the petroleum exploration and production industry in North America. The research applies the transportation systems analysis approach to characterize the petroleum activity system and transportation system in southwest Manitoba and to develop freight flows. The research develops a framework to estimate and assign petroleum-related truck traffic to the regional highway network taking into account the variability of the industry. This is done by integrating components of freight demand modeling and truck traffic monitoring processes to improve understanding of truck traffic flow characteristics related to the industry. The results of the research are presented in an interactive mapping data dissemination tool. The approach and methodologies of this research are transferable to other jurisdictions and can be used to address the needs of other industry-specific developments.