Variable Speed Limit Control Design for Relieving Congestion Caused by Active Bottlenecks
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 4
Abstract
Variable speed limit (VSL) can be used on freeways to manage traffic flow with the goal of improving capacity. To achieve this objective, it is necessary that both speed and density dynamics be represented accurately. In this study, to deeply understand the effectiveness of VSL control, an analytical model was developed to represent drivers’ response to updated speed limits and macroscopic speed dynamical change with respect to changeable speed limits. Specifically, to model the freeway links having VSL control, the fundamental diagram (FD) was replaced with the VSL control variable in the relaxation term of the METANET. This modification led to the speed control variable appearing linearly, which is preferable for online computation. The density dynamics are based on the cell transmission model (CTM), which is introduced to estimate the transition flow among successive links with some practical constraints. It also offers flexibility in designing active bottleneck in which there is a capacity drop once feeding flow exceeds its capacity. To exploit this benefit, a modification was introduced in the FD of the density dynamics. A VSL control strategy was proposed that explicitly considers traffic characteristics at active bottleneck and its upstream-downstream segments. It can control traffic flow into any type of active bottleneck. Then, the proposed traffic dynamics with the control strategy are implemented in a freeway corridor using the model predictive control (MPC) approach. The analysis was carried out in the calibrated microsimulation model, VISSIM, within a scenario in which shock waves were present. The microsimulation model functions as a proxy for the real-world traffic system. This study reveals that, in terms of mobility, VSL is mostly effective during congestion periods.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to give thanks to Ken Karunaratne, Wai Cheung, and Craig Walbaum from the traffic operation group in the city of Edmonton for providing the Whitemud Drive VISSIM model and historical loop detector data. This research work was jointly supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada and the city of Edmonton. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the city of Edmonton. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 4 • April 2013
Pages: 358 - 370
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 19, 2012
Accepted: Oct 5, 2012
Published online: Oct 6, 2012
Published in print: Apr 1, 2013
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