PLATOON DISPERSION DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Despite a substantial body of literature on the mechanics of platoon dispersion, little has been published on platoon dispersion rates under typical Australian arterial road conditions. This paper describes such a study, wherein data was collected on the dispersion of 47 platoons of traffic up to 1600 m downstream from a signalised intersection. The study was conducted on the Princes Highway East, a major suburban arterial road in Melbourne, during the afternoon peak and evening shoulder to peak period. The paper outlines the selection of location, data recording, collection and analysis methodologies and the results, parameters measuring traffic flow, obtained. It was found that platoons did not disperse greatly over 1200 m and where data was available, the platoons were still substantially intact 1600 m downstream from the traffic signals. This indicates that traffic signal linking can be effective over relatively long lengths of arterial road. In the second stage of the project the data was used to determine parameters, reflecting Australian suburban traffic flow, for models such as transyt. (Author/TRRL)

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  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This paper was presented during the 12th Australian Road Research Board Conference, Hobart, Tasmania, 27-31 August 1984.
  • Corporate Authors:

    ARRB

    Melbourne, Victoria  Australia 
  • Authors:
    • SMELT, J M
  • Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 71-87
  • Serial:

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00393462
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Jul 31 1985 12:00AM