An optimization approach for freeway network coordinated traffic control and route guidance.

Area of Science:

• Transportation Engineering
• Operations Research

Background:

• Traffic congestion in freeway networks is a significant transportation problem, degrading network facilities.
• Coordinated traffic controllers are used to manage traffic flow, but challenges exist in balancing path-level and network-level control objectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel coordinated optimization approach for freeway networks to alleviate traffic congestion.
• To address the challenge of conflicting traffic control goals between individual paths and the overall network.

Main Methods:

• Utilized bi-level programming theory to formulate the problem.
• Developed an optimal control model at the path level to relieve congestion.
• Designed an optimal model at the network level focusing on traffic equilibrium and cost optimization.

Main Results:

• The proposed approach was tested on a calibrated freeway network using field data.
• Demonstrated positive effects in balancing traffic load across the network.
• Showed improvements in the overall service level of freeway networks.

Conclusions:

• The bi-level programming approach effectively manages competing traffic control objectives.
• The coordinated optimization strategy enhances freeway network performance by reducing congestion and improving service levels.