SIMPLIFIED APPROACH TO MODELING FREEWAY OPERATIONS AND CONTROL

This paper develops a simplified model for simulating freeway operations influenced by entrance-ramp metering or closure. The model's application to a real freeway corridor is demonstrated. The model is based on the assumption that that entire corridor can be adequately represented by only 2 routes interconnected by equally spaced entrance and exit ramps. Optimal control is achieved by minimizing total corridor travel time. The effectiveness of 3 control strategies (entrance-ramp metering, entrance-ramp closure, and total interchange closure) is investigated. Traffic flow on a real freeway corridor was simulated with this model. The model compared favorably with observed conditions. When the effects of the 3 control strategies were investigated, freeway flow rates resulting from optimal control conditions were found to be nearly identical for each strategy. Identifying the optimal flow rate permitted accurate calibration of the model and reliable results. The model can be useful for initial planning evaluations. Data requirements for the model are minimal, and its application is straightforward.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1975/533/533-007.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=SIMPLIFIED+APPROACH+TO+MODELING+FREEWAY+OPERATIONS+AND+CONTROL&author=B.+Allen&author=C.+Liew&publication_year=1975
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/030902384X
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Freeway Operations. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Authors:
  • Allen, Brian L
  • Liew, C Jen
• Conference:
  • 54th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board
  • Location: Washington District of Columbia
  • Date: 1975-1-13 to 1975-1-17
• Publication Date: 1975

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 88-96
• Monograph Title: Freeway Entry, Flow, and Control
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 533
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Control systems; Corridors; Freeway operations; Interchange ramps; Interchanges; Lane closure; Mathematical models; Measures of effectiveness; Optimization; Ramp metering; Traffic control; Traffic simulation; Travel time
• Uncontrolled Terms: Closures; Effectiveness; Models
• Old TRIS Terms: Freeway entrances and exits
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00099665
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 030902384X
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Nov 5 1975 12:00AM