[1][2] Version 6.0 released in April 2013 added network modelling capability and new vehicle movement classes.
Sidra Intersection is a micro-analytical traffic evaluation tool that employs lane-by-lane and vehicle drive cycle models.
[3] It can be used to compare alternative treatments of individual intersections and networks of intersections involving signalised intersections (fixed-time/pretimed and actuated),[4][5] roundabouts (not signalised),[6][7] roundabouts with metering signals,[8] fully signalised roundabouts, two-way stop and give-way (yield) sign control,[9] all-way (4-way and 3-way) stop sign control, merging, single-point urban interchanges, traditional diamond and diverging diamond interchanges, basic freeway segments,[10][11] signalised and unsignalised (zebra) midblock crossings for pedestrians,[12] merging analysis and network modelling of these intersection and interchange types.
Different movement classes (light and heavy vehicles, buses, large trucks, bicycles, and so on) are treated individually in modelling platoon arrival and departure patterns.
Performance and Level of Service results are given at various aggregation levels (individual lanes, individual movements, approaches, intersections, routes and networks) and separately for vehicle Movement Classes, pedestrians, and persons (results for pedestrians and people in vehicles combined).
The Interactive Offsets facility helps the user to investigate the effect of two-way platoon progression on network performance.
The HCM 6 Extended model was developed for SIDRA INTERSECTION based on the results of roundabout surveys carried out for Wisconsin DOT in the USA.
Metering signals help to solve the problem of excessive queuing and delays at approaches affected by unbalanced traffic streams at roundabouts.
[1][4][5][24][27] In addition to the traditional methods for signalised intersection cycle time (practical, optimum and user-given) and green split methods, it includes advanced signal timing methods such as a unique critical movement analysis method, multi-sequence signal analysis, variable phasing analysis, green split priority for coordinated or user-specified movements, signal timings that account for pedestrian actuation and minor phase actuation requirements, and allows the use of two green periods for modeling slip / bypass lanes, permitted-protected turns, and turn on red.
It provides software setups with appropriate default systems for different countries, allows the users to prepare customised software setups, provides a sensitivity analysis facility to allow testing of the effect of variations in values of various key parameters, and describes various calibration techniques (including survey methods) in the User Guide.
This drive-cycle (modal analysis) method coupled with a power-based vehicle model is used to estimate operating cost, fuel consumption, greenhouse gas (CO2) and pollutant (CO, NOx, HC) emissions in order to assess the environmental impacts of traffic congestion.
[6] The Highway Capacity Manual version of Sidra Intersection has options for US Customary and Metric units.
The awards received by the founder of the company, Dr Rahmi Akcelik, includes the prestigious 1999 Clunies Ross National Science and Technology award for outstanding contribution to the application of science and technology in Australia, and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (USA) 1986 Transportation Energy Conservation Award in Memory of Frederick A. Wagner for research into energy savings from urban traffic management (received as part of the energy research team at the Australian Road Research Board).