SIDRA INTERSECTION 11
SIDRA FOR HCM
Complements the HCM,Doesn't Just Replicate It

Calibrated using HCM parameters, then extended with capabilities the Manual doesn't cover — by a researcher who helped write it.

Built by aHCM Contributor

Dr Akçelik's research shaped the HCM delay equation, back of queue model, and actuated signal method — SIDRA is built on the same foundations.

Extensions AcrossEvery Intersection Type

Geometry-based roundabout capacity, Common Control Groups, Give-Way modelling, multimodal lane-based analysis — where the HCM stops, SIDRA continues.

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SIDRA INTERSECTION and the Highway Capacity Manual share common fundamental traffic modelling principles, and the HCM Software Setup is calibrated using HCM model parameters.

HCM Software Setup
Unlike other software packages, SIDRA INTERSECTION does not claim to be a simple replication of HCM procedures. Instead, it offers significant extensions to HCM capabilities — in line with the Highway Capacity Manual's own acknowledgement of the need to use alternative models in view of various shortcomings of the HCM.
HCM Edition 7 compatibility
With HCM Edition 7, SIDRA INTERSECTION continues its compatibility with, and extensions to, the HCM analytical approach to traffic modelling. The HCM Software Setup provides options for US Customary and Metric units.

SIDRA ASSIGN estimates intersection movement volumes from Origin–Destination trip demand while accounting for network-wide traffic interactions and detailed intersection capacity estimation at the lane level.

Five assignment methods
Multiple assignment approaches operating within the same lane-based environment — all integrated with the SIDRA INTERSECTION Network model.
Traffic management assessment
Assess the impacts of traffic management schemes that result in changes in Routes used by road users, with results at the lane level.
Trip Performance metrics
Cost, fuel and emissions reported per Origin–Destination pair across assigned Routes — environmental reporting extended to assignment results.

Dr Rahmi Akçelik served as a member of the US Transportation Research Board Committee on Highway Capacity and Quality of Service and its subcommittees. His contributions include:

The second term of the HCM delay equation (Chapters 19–22), correcting an anomaly in earlier editions

The back of queue model for signalised intersections adopted in HCM 2000

The actuated signal analysis method developed jointly with Prof. Courage for HCM 2000

The bunched exponential model of arrival headway distribution

Progression factors for queue length and related performance statistics

Each intersection type has specific areas where SIDRA extends beyond HCM procedures — from five roundabout capacity models to lane-based sign-controlled analysis.

Roundabouts
Five capacity model options (SIDRA Standard (HCM), HCM 6, HCM 6 Extended, HCM 2010, SIDRA Standard), geometry-based capacity, metering signals, capacity constraint on oversaturated lanes, unbalanced flow treatment, and extra bunching from upstream signals. The roundabout capacity model is the only HCM method that uses lane-by-lane analysis — and SIDRA has used a lane-based model for all intersection types since 1984.
Traffic signals
Common Control Groups for intersections under a single controller, Critical Movement Identification, variable phasing with multiple phase sequence analysis, multiple green periods, Turn On Red capacity modelling, target degrees of saturation for actuated timing, second-by-second platoon movements with midblock lane changes, and Interactive Offsets for signal coordination.
Sign control
Lane-based analysis (vs the HCM's lane-group approach) and modelling of Give-Way/Yield sign control — the HCM covers Stop control only.

These extensions apply across all intersection types — from multimodal lane-based modelling to environmental outputs the HCM does not produce.

Multimodal lane-based modelling
Separate output for each Movement Class — Light Vehicles, Heavy Vehicles, Buses, Bicycles, Large Trucks, Light Rail/Trams, and six User-Defined Classes.
Lane-based network analysis
Queue spillback and midblock lane changes modelled at the lane level across networks of up to 50 Sites.
Complex short lane modelling
Turn bays, exit-side lane drops, multiple short lane configurations with overflow blocking adjacent lanes.
Back of queue for all intersection types
The HCM provides back of queue models for signals only. SIDRA INTERSECTION extends this to roundabouts and sign-controlled intersections.
Four-mode drive cycle environmental model
Fuel consumption, emissions (CO₂, CO, HC, NOₓ) and operating cost — environmental outputs the HCM does not provide.

SIDRA INTERSECTION is recognised by the US Highway Capacity Manual, the NCHRP roundabout guides, the FHWA alternative intersections guide, and Austroads.

US Highway Capacity Manual
Recognised in the HCM for intersection analysis, with Dr Akçelik's research directly contributing to multiple editions.
NCHRP Roundabout Guides
Referenced in NCHRP 672 and NCHRP Research Report 1043 — the definitive US roundabout design and analysis references.
FHWA Alternative Intersections Guide
Recognised for innovative intersection analysis including DDI, RCUT, CFI, DLT, MUT, P-Turn, and Divergabout.
Austroads
Recognised as the standard intersection analysis tool across Australia and New Zealand.
Transportation Research Board
NCHRP Synthesis 488 (2016) — confirmed as the most widely used roundabout analysis software in the USA.

Complements the HCM — does not simply replicate itsignificant extensions in line with the HCM’s own acknowledgement of the need for alternative models

If you need HCM-compatible analysis with capabilities the Manual doesn’t cover, SIDRA gives you both — calibrated using HCM parameters, then extended where the HCM stops.

SIDRA INTERSECTION and the Highway Capacity Manual share common fundamental traffic modelling principles, and the HCM Software Setup is calibrated using HCM model parameters.

HCM Software Setup
Unlike other software packages, SIDRA INTERSECTION does not claim to be a simple replication of HCM procedures. Instead, it offers significant extensions to HCM capabilities — in line with the Highway Capacity Manual’s own acknowledgement of the need to use alternative models in view of various shortcomings of the HCM.
HCM Edition 7 compatibility
With HCM Edition 7, SIDRA INTERSECTION continues its compatibility with, and extensions to, the HCM analytical approach to traffic modelling. The HCM Software Setup provides options for US Customary and Metric units.

SIDRA ASSIGN traffic assignment modulelane-based route choice modelling integrated with the detailed multimodal SIDRA Network Model

Assess the impact of traffic management schemes on route choice — at the lane level — without exporting to a separate model or purchasing a separate licence.

SIDRA ASSIGN estimates intersection movement volumes from Origin–Destination trip demand while accounting for network-wide traffic interactions and detailed intersection capacity estimation at the lane level.

Five assignment methods
Multiple assignment approaches operating within the same lane-based environment — all integrated with the SIDRA INTERSECTION Network model.
Traffic management assessment
Assess the impacts of traffic management schemes that result in changes in Routes used by road users, with results at the lane level.
Trip Performance metrics
Cost, fuel and emissions reported per Origin–Destination pair across assigned Routes — environmental reporting extended to assignment results.

Built by a researcher who contributed to the HCMDr Rahmi Akçelik’s research made direct contributions to multiple editions of the Highway Capacity Manual

SIDRA doesn’t just implement the HCM — its author helped write it. The delay equation, back of queue model and actuated signal method all draw on Dr Akçelik’s research.

Dr Rahmi Akçelik served as a member of the US Transportation Research Board Committee on Highway Capacity and Quality of Service and its subcommittees. His contributions include:

The second term of the HCM delay equation (Chapters 19–22), correcting an anomaly in earlier editions

The back of queue model for signalised intersections adopted in HCM 2000

The actuated signal analysis method developed jointly with Prof. Courage for HCM 2000

The bunched exponential model of arrival headway distribution

Progression factors for queue length and related performance statistics

These are not adaptations of someone else’s work. SIDRA INTERSECTION is built on the same research that shaped the HCM itself.

Key extensions by intersection typewhere SIDRA extends HCM capabilities for roundabouts, traffic signals and sign-controlled intersections

Analyse intersection types and configurations the HCM cannot handle — geometry-based roundabout capacity, Common Control Groups for signals, and Give-Way modelling for sign control.

Each intersection type has specific areas where SIDRA extends beyond HCM procedures — from five roundabout capacity models to lane-based sign-controlled analysis.

Roundabouts
Five capacity model options (SIDRA Standard (HCM), HCM 6, HCM 6 Extended, HCM 2010, SIDRA Standard), geometry-based capacity, metering signals, capacity constraint on oversaturated lanes, unbalanced flow treatment, and extra bunching from upstream signals. The roundabout capacity model is the only HCM method that uses lane-by-lane analysis — and SIDRA has used a lane-based model for all intersection types since 1984.
Traffic signals
Common Control Groups for intersections under a single controller, Critical Movement Identification, variable phasing with multiple phase sequence analysis, multiple green periods, Turn On Red capacity modelling, target degrees of saturation for actuated timing, second-by-second platoon movements with midblock lane changes, and Interactive Offsets for signal coordination.
Sign control
Lane-based analysis (vs the HCM’s lane-group approach) and modelling of Give-Way/Yield sign control — the HCM covers Stop control only.

Across all intersection typescapabilities that extend the HCM regardless of facility type

Get environmental outputs the HCM does not provide, back of queue for roundabouts and sign control, and lane-based network analysis with queue spillback and midblock lane changes.

These extensions apply across all intersection types — from multimodal lane-based modelling to environmental outputs the HCM does not produce.

Multimodal lane-based modelling
Separate output for each Movement Class — Light Vehicles, Heavy Vehicles, Buses, Bicycles, Large Trucks, Light Rail/Trams, and six User-Defined Classes.
Lane-based network analysis
Queue spillback and midblock lane changes modelled at the lane level across networks of up to 50 Sites.
Complex short lane modelling
Turn bays, exit-side lane drops, multiple short lane configurations with overflow blocking adjacent lanes.
Back of queue for all intersection types
The HCM provides back of queue models for signals only. SIDRA INTERSECTION extends this to roundabouts and sign-controlled intersections.
Four-mode drive cycle environmental model
Fuel consumption, emissions (CO₂, CO, HC, NOₓ) and operating cost — environmental outputs the HCM does not provide.

Recognised by the institutions that set the standards

The most widely used roundabout analysis software in the USA according to the Transportation Research Board — and recognised by the HCM, NCHRP, FHWA and Austroads.

SIDRA INTERSECTION is recognised by the US Highway Capacity Manual, the NCHRP roundabout guides, the FHWA alternative intersections guide, and Austroads.

US Highway Capacity Manual
Recognised in the HCM for intersection analysis, with Dr Akçelik’s research directly contributing to multiple editions.
NCHRP Roundabout Guides
Referenced in NCHRP 672 and NCHRP Research Report 1043 — the definitive US roundabout design and analysis references.
FHWA Alternative Intersections Guide
Recognised for innovative intersection analysis including DDI, RCUT, CFI, DLT, MUT, P-Turn, and Divergabout.
Austroads
Recognised as the standard intersection analysis tool across Australia and New Zealand.
Transportation Research Board
NCHRP Synthesis 488 (2016) — confirmed as the most widely used roundabout analysis software in the USA.

The global standard for roundabout analysis.

Five capacity models. Geometry-based capacity. Lane-by-lane precision. The most widely used roundabout analysis software in the USA.