Blokduur

Blokduur (Dutch for “block duration”) is a term used in transportation planning and traffic engineering to denote the time interval required for a vehicle, train, or vessel to travel between two predefined points, often referred to as a “block.” The concept is applied in railway signalling, road traffic management, and maritime navigation to ensure safe spacing, optimal capacity, and efficient timetable development.

In railway operations, the blokduur is the time a train occupies a signalling block, from the moment it enters until it has completely cleared the block. This interval incorporates acceleration, cruising speed, deceleration, and any dwell time at stations within the block. Accurate estimation of blokduur is essential for calculating headways, preventing collisions, and maximizing line throughput. Modern signalling systems, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS), rely on real‑time blokduur data to dynamically adjust train spacing.

For road traffic, blokduur can refer to the travel time between two traffic sensors or junctions. It is used in congestion modelling, travel‑time prediction, and the design of coordinated traffic‑light cycles. In maritime contexts, the term describes the period a vessel needs to move between waypoint markers, influencing vessel traffic services and port scheduling.

The calculation of blokduur typically combines empirical measurements, vehicle performance characteristics, and prevailing operational conditions (e.g., speed limits, gradient, weather). Adjustments may be made for safety margins, especially in mixed‑traffic environments. Understanding and managing blokduur is fundamental to achieving safety, reliability, and efficiency across various transport networks.