The Importance of Traffic Flow Modeling for Motorway Traffic Control

The problem of traffic congestion in modern day motorways calls for the design and implementation of efficient control strategies. It is argued in this paper that in order to have efficient, generic, and systematic solutions to a wide range of traffic control problems, macroscopic motorway traffic flow models in state-space form, that are relevant for the control problem and computationally non-intensive, are most appropriate. Such models allow the exploitation of available powerful, systematic, and theoretically supported automatic control concepts. Based on these concepts an Extended Kalman Filter for traffic state estimation, a multivariable LQI controller for coordinated ramp metering on a motorway stretch, and an integrated optimal control strategy for motorway networks are shortly presented. The criteria of a model's relevance for a given traffic control problem and its computational requirements are subsequently examined. Finally, the application of an advanced coordinated ramp metering control strategy, based on the optimal control approach, to the ring-road of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is provided as an illustrative example.     

Traffic flow modeling of large-scale motorway networks using the macroscopic modeling tool METANET

This paper employs previously developed modeling, validation, and stimulation tools to address, for the first time, the realistic macroscopic simulation of a real large-scale motorway network. More specifically, the macroscopic simulator METANET, involving a second-order traffic flow model as well as network-relevant extensions, is utilized. A rigorous quantitative validation procedure is applied to individual network links, and subsequently a heuristic qualitative validation procedure is employed at a network level. The large-scale motorway network around Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is considered in this investigation. The main goal of the paper is to describe the application approach and procedures and to demonstrate the accuracy and usefulness of macroscopic modeling tools for large-scale motorway networks.     

Freeway ramp metering: an overview

Recurrent and nonrecurrent congestion on freeways may be alleviated if today's "spontaneous" infrastructure utilization is replaced by an orderly, controllable operation via comprehensive application of ramp metering and freeway-to-freeway control, combined with powerful optimal control techniques. This paper first explains why ramp metering can lead to a dramatic amelioration of traffic conditions on freeways. An overview of ramp metering algorithms is provided next, ranging from early fixed-time approaches to traffic-responsive regulators and to modern sophisticated nonlinear optimal control schemes. Finally, a large-scale example demonstrates the high potential of advanced ramp metering approaches.     

Review of road traffic control strategies

Traffic congestion in urban road and freeway networks leads to a strong degradation of the network infrastructure and accordingly reduced throughput, which can be countered via suitable control measures and strategies. After illustrating the main reasons for infrastructure deterioration due to traffic congestion, a comprehensive overview of proposed and implemented control strategies is provided for three areas: urban road networks, freeway networks, and route guidance. Selected application results, obtained from either simulation studies or field implementations, are briefly outlined to illustrate the impact of various control actions and strategies. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of future needs in this important technical area.