4 Exciting New Features in the HCS 2024 Release

It is almost that time of the year! Our team is wrapping up the release of the Highway Capacity Software (HCS) 2024, with a series of exciting new features. This article summarizes the major changes in the upcoming release to provide our users with a streamlined experience in traffic modeling.

Two-Lane Highways – Automated Map Segmentation

The new Two-Lane Highways module will include a brand new map segmentation feature, similar to what is currently available for the Freeways module. Based on the Bing Maps architecture, this new tool will allow the user to easily create a facility on top of a map by placing segment boundary nodes.

It is also possible to easily model horizontal curves within a segment by placing nodes at curve points (PT, PC):

Two-Lane Highways – Global Inputs

The new Two-Lane Highways module will also include a “Global Inputs” setting, which can greatly streamline the modeling of a facility with multiple segments. For any parameter that is consistent across an entire facility, the user only needs to provide it once, and it will be applied to all segments in the facility.

Freeways – Improved User Interface

The Freeways module will bring several upgrades in its user interface to facilitate the data input process, including:

Data Grid

The Freeway data grid (“Segments” page) now includes an additional column for Ramp Demand inputs. If a facility has multiple Merge and Diverge segments, all volumes can be easily entered at once on this table without the need to scroll through multiple segments.

Updated Details Page

The top header of the “Details” page is now fixed to facilitate the experience of going through multiple freeway segments, either for data input or reviewing, minimizing the need for excessive scrolling.

Unsignalized Intersections – Queue Outputs in Feet

Starting in HCS 2024, stop-controlled intersections, and roundabouts modules will include a new output for back-of-queue length measured in feet. This feature was previously available only for signalized intersections, but was expanded to other intersections to address our users’ needs.

The queue length is computed based on a weighted average of queued vehicles, which the user can calibrate. The recommended default values per HCM are 25 ft. for queued passenger cars and 45 ft. for queued heavy vehicles.