TRAFFIC STUDY: Illinois program evaluates resiliency of NYC traffic after Hurricane Sandy

Oct. 28, 2014

Analysis using taxi travel data suggests greater focus needed on traffic management post-disaster

Researchers at the University of Illinois are using an advanced computer model to study the effects that Hurricane Sandy had on traffic in New York City when the storm rolled through in October 2012. Early results indicate that gridlock was the worst when residents began returning to the city after the storm passed.

The study, conducted out of the university’s department of civil and environmental engineering, monitors traffic through taxi travel data provided by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. Data from the previous four years—totaling nearly 700 million hours—was analyzed first to establish baseline traffic patterns. The primary algorithm then calculated the historical distribution of pace, or normalized travel times, around the city; the effects of Hurricane Sandy were measured by calculating deviations from the normal pace.

While the research is still a long way from suggesting specific, actionable traffic-management improvements, one early finding indicates more time and resources should be devoted to the re-entry process, as that was when traffic was at its worst.

The Illinois research team intends to publish its full findings in the Conference Proceedings of the Transportation Research Board in January.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.