DETECTION OF CONGESTION ON AN URBAN FREEWAY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACCESS CONTROL

This article considers the South East Freeway in Brisbane, Australia as an example where congestion occurs regularly especially in the morning peak period, and recommends closure of two ramps together with the use of variable-message direction signs. The development of the conditions for closure of the ramps is detailed. It is shown that Newell's merging principle of entering vehicles taking over priority in congested conditions applies regularly on the inbound South East Freeway. This leads to a future departure system-optimized flow pattern in the corridor. The recommended solution to this specific case is to activate variable-message direction signs to encourage ramp motorists to divert and then to physically close the ramp for as long as congested conditions remain on the ramp. Closure has fewer operating problems than metering and is generally preferred.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/614107147
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)

  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Pretty, R L
• Publication Date: 1984-9

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 43-47
• Serial:
  • ITE Journal
  • Volume: 54
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
  • ISSN: 0162-8178
  • Serial URL: https://www.ite.org/publications/ite-journal/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Access control (Transportation); Detection and identification; Detectors; Freeways; Lane closure; Ramps; Traffic congestion; Traffic control; Urban areas; Variable message signs
• Uncontrolled Terms: Access control; Closures
• Old TRIS Terms: Urban freeways
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00394045
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-037 774
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 31 1985 12:00AM