Year
2025
Season
Spring
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Computing, Engineering & Construction
Degree Name
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)
Department
Engineering
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. School of Engineering
Committee Chairperson
Dr. Thobias Sando
Second Advisor
Dr. Adel ElSafty
Third Advisor
Dr. Ryan Shamet
Department Chair
Dr. Alan Harris
College Dean
Dr. William Klostermeyer
Abstract
To accommodate increasing cargo volumes and remain competitive, ports worldwide are facing growing pressure to expand and modernize their facilities. However, these expansions can place additional strain on land transportation networks, leading to congestion, delays and operational inefficiencies. This study used VISSIM, a microscopic traffic simulation tool, to model and analyze the complex traffic dynamics at the Blount Island Marine Terminal in Jacksonville, Florida, which is currently undergoing expansion.
To account for future traffic conditions, time series analysis was employed to project growth in traffic demand, taking into consideration anticipated expansions in tenant yard facilities, as well as increases in berth capacity. Traffic forecasts for the year 2035 were developed using a combination of the FDOT Northeast Florida Regional Travel Demand Model and the ITE Trip Generation Manual. These projections were integrated into the calibrated baseline model to evaluate future “no build” and “build” scenarios.
The results indicated a deterioration of intersection performance with increased traffic demand, revealing potential bottlenecks within the network. To address these challenges, a range of geometric and operational improvements were proposed, including lane expansions, alternate entrance for non-container truck traffic, additional service gates at the main gate and container yard gate, and improved gate processing times. Simulation results demonstrated the effectiveness of these strategies in improving travel time, delay, and level of service (LOS) across critical road segments and intersections. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends a phased implementation of all five strategies to ensure that an acceptable LOS is maintained throughout the network.
Suggested Citation
Aida, Amy A., "Analysis of port traffic growth for optimization of traffic flow: A microscopic traffic simulation study of JAXPORT's Blount Island Marine Terminal" (2025). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1328.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1328