How do you plan for a road network that caters for the drivers of 2030 and beyond? 

Using a combination of expertise and cutting-edge simulation techniques, Arup is working with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to explore sustainable and equitable models that inform future transport policy.

The direction of travel

Touching the lives of people across Ireland every day through its road network, TII wants to gain a better understanding of how emerging mobility trends are likely to shape how roads will be used. 

The way people travel is changing, but TII’s mission to deliver a better quality of life, support economic growth, and respect the environment remains steadfast. 

To ensure that all road users are equitably and fairly treated, Arup is helping TII understand and assess the cost of maintaining and developing the road network at the same time as responding to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Transport consulting insights informing strategy

Our work focuses on transport policy and planning related primarily to emissions reduction, sustainable funding, demand management, strategic infrastructure and human-centric design. 

As part of the programme, we are considering a range of future options for the national road network to identify and provide insights on a potential optimal direction of future travel for TII.

We are working together to develop a sustainable funding model that responds to the operational needs of the network, while also providing support for policy ambitions underpinned by principles such as sustainability and social wellbeing. 

Our work is taking an agnostic approach by providing evidence-based models that will guide decision making on options when preparing for the end of life of existing public-private partnership (PPP) schemes, and a possible transition of these roads to public management from 2030 onwards.

Now more than ever, TII needs to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. We are assessing viable options to move towards more sustainable funding models and promote more sustainable forms of infrastructure and mobility.

Cathal Masterson

Director of Commercial Operations, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)

Modelling changes with agent-based simulation

To help bring potential options and permutations to life, we are using  agent-based simulations and factoring in other considerations such as legal and policy constraints, procurement requirements, specialist technical expertise and government advisory.

Our experts are developing a national scale model to simulate a variety of potential transport changes. 

Using multiple validated data sources, we are building a foundational behaviour model that allows us to explore realistic representations of people at the level of individuals, while embracing the complexity of the overall transport system. 

The consequences of potential transport policies and pricing futures can be visualised and assessed, helping TII access a wide set of outcomes, including reductions in carbon emissions and service reliability for people.

The impact of City Modelling

Our work will result in greater foresight for TII into the challenges and opportunities that the national road network faces. It will provide a considered and complete strategy for the future of the network in Ireland. 

Arup’s work will seek to ensure that the needs of the many and the few are considered throughout and that the future that TII wishes to embody will provide for a more fair and equitable transport network for Irish users. 

We can help

With global experience, specialist knowledge and a powerful research base, Arup provides strategic advice and clarity for government clients across all sectors.