S30075c Third Generation South West Regional Traffic Model Build

Description

The existing traffic models have delivered significant efficiency savings for National Highways by accelerating traffic modelling and economic appraisal across Project Control Framework PCF schemes and have been fundamental in underpinning the RIS2 and RIS3 business cases. However, the current models are based on 2019 travel patterns and, despite producing forecasts to 2061, no longer accurately reflect post COVID changes in travel behaviour. This project is therefore critical to update the baseline year to 2025 and produce a refreshed set of forecasts, ensuring the evidence base remains robust, credible and fit for purpose. Delivered as part of the Road Traffic Modelling (RTM) programme, the project focuses on the development of the third generation South West Regional Traffic Model (SWRTM3), updating the existing SWRTM2 model. The refreshed models will provide a stronger evidential foundation for existing and emerging use cases and support effective investment decision making, with appointed consultants expected to work collaboratively across the RTM3 programme to ensure consistency and coherence of the national modelling framework.