A solution for urban road selection and construction problem using simulation and goal programming—Case study of the city of Isfahan

The aim of this paper is to propose a new hybrid method of urban road(s) selection and construction by using a combination of simulation and weighted goal programming (WGP) with different environmental and economical criteria. First, different scenarios were developed based on current and proved future urban land use and on feasibility. These scenarios then were simulated by applying EMME3 software for a scheduled year. The outputs for each scenario were used as input in weighted goal programming. By using the significance of goals which determined by opinion of experts, the pair-wise comparison procedure has been done. The results of WGP determine the scenario with the highest possible utility. This integrated methodology has been applied in the city of Isfahan (Iran). The selected scenario by the proposed methodology, improves the conditions of all six criteria in comparison with current traffic network. This methodology could be applicable for large-scale transportation networks.