Real-Time Evaluation of Freeway Diversion Route Plans in Integrated Incident Management Systems

This paper introduces a feedback simulation-based approach to evaluating freeway diversion route plans in integrated incident management systems using real-time data. The proposed approach employs an anticipatory technique to estimate demand and incident severity based on real-time data transmitted to the TMC through a fiber optic communication network and a library of historical traffic volume and incident data. Using the anticipated volume and incident data in a microscopic simulation model for the freeway and arterial systems network, an optimal decision about freeway diversion plans can initially be reached. Using real-time freeway and exit-ramp volume data, the initial plans can be reevaluated and readjusted accordingly. The proposed approach is intended to be used as a decision-making tool for real time incident management, specifically for developing and testing diversion plans using real-time data. Ten incidents with different severity levels and durations were used as a case study for the evaluation. Results from the analysis showed that the proposed evaluation framework produced optimal diversion route plans. The benefit of using real-time operational characteristics in the evaluation seems to be greater for incidents of moderate severity and duration. The results showed that the proposed approach can be used as a decision-making tool for real-time incident management, specifically for developing and testing diversion plans using real-time data.