TRANSPORT NETWORK PLANNING: THEORETICAL NOTIONS

2.8

CHAPTER TWO

proposed (different for each scale level), and the designer is free to use or discard these
values. Per scale level we have defined what the optimal values are for:

The number and size of the cities the network is meant to connect
The expected travel distance over the network
The desired distance between access points
The desired distance between (center of ) built-up area and access points
The acceptable detour factor (the distance traveled over the network divided by the distance
as the crow flies)

These variables determine, to a large extent, what the design is going to look like. Moreover,
the design sessions held so far have shown that these variables are strongly interconnected
within a scale level. Inconsistent combinations of values for these variables lead to inefficient
networks. The optimal values (derived from the design speed for each scale level) depend
on local circumstances.
2.6.2 The Design Method Step by Step

Applying the design method results in designs for the collective and individual networks for
each scale level distinguished and the interchange points where the networks are connected.
Every network at every scale level is designed independently, thereby ensuring that each
network is optimally geared towards its function. Possibly, in a later stage of the design
process, some of the connections from different scale levels will be combined on one route,
or even on one road or railway line. In that case, however, it is a conscious choice, a tradeoff between the advantages and disadvantages of combining functions on that particular
connection. Because the situation of the access points for the collective systems is much
more important than for the individual systems, the collective network for a scale level is
always designed before the individual network.
Step 1: Distinguish Urbanization Levels (Urban / Rural ). The edges of urban areas provide
good locations for intermodal transfer points, so the border between urban and rural area
must be indicated on the map for later use.
Step 2: Define the Hierarchy of Cities and Towns. In this step, the rule of thumb for the
number and size of the nodes (cities and towns) (Figure 2.3) the network is meant to connect
is used to define which towns should be accessible via the network, and in what order of
importance. In doing so (for the scale level under consideration), first-, second-, and thirdlevel nodes are selected and indicated on the map. Large cities are split up into several
smaller units.
Step 3: Design Desired Connections. The desired connections (heart-to-heart) are drawn
on the map (Figure 2.4), according to the following rules:

First connect first-level nodes.

Add connections to second-level nodes.
Include third-level nodes when they are close to an already included connection. When

adjusting a connection to include a third-level node, one should check that this does not
result in unacceptable detours in the network.

Step 4: Design the Ideal Network. This is the most difficult and intuitive stage in the
design method. The existing situation must be ignored. The desired connections must be
translated into an efficient network with the right density. The access points must be put in
the right place. Step by step this stage involves, for the individual network:
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