Optimal Ramp Metering Control for Weaving Segments Considering Dynamic Weaving Capacity Estimation
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 140, Issue 11
Abstract
On freeway corridors, traffic flow is limited by active bottlenecks. Weaving maneuvers (i.e., intensive lane changes) are a major cause of bottlenecks during high-demand periods. To relieve bottleneck severity, ramp metering (RM) is implemented as an active traffic control method. Ample research has been devoted to developing RM control algorithms and to exploring weaving impacts; however, RM control that is considerate of dynamic weaving impact and its evaluation has received little attention in the published literature. This paper aims to bridge that gap by proposing a proactive control algorithm that uses as inputs dynamic weaving capacity (as opposed to traditional fixed capacity values) for RM control at weaving segments. The control goals are to reduce networkwide travel time and improve traffic flow. Capacity and capacity drop were estimated through fundamental diagrams (FDs). Then, capacity drop sensitivities to on-ramp and mainline demand were analyzed within a field-data-based microsimulation model. The findings were applied to dynamically estimate weaving capacity within a macroscopic traffic flow model. The proposed traffic flow model conducted estimation in a model predictive control (MPC) framework. The RM rates were optimized by sequential quadratic programming (SQP). The proposed RM algorithm was evaluated in macrosimulation and compared with a no-control scenario as well as with a control scenario that used static (as opposed to dynamic) weaving capacity. This analysis contributes to efficient and effective field applications and freeway operational improvements.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Ken Karunaratne, Iris Ye, Adrian Loh, Wai Cheung, Daniel Kabaroff, Matthew Knezevich, and Craig Walbaum from the traffic operation group in the City of Edmonton for providing the Whitemud Drive VISSIM model and the historical loop detector data. This research work was jointly supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada, City of Edmonton, and Transport Canada. 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 or Transport Canada. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 140 • Issue 11 • November 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 4, 2013
Accepted: May 14, 2014
Published online: Jul 8, 2014
Published in print: Nov 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Dec 8, 2014
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