A Real-Time Traffic Diversion Model: A Conceptual Approach

TLDR: A conceptual framework for executing real-time diversion of traffic during congestion-causing events, by making efficient use of the available capacities in the highway network, is presented in this paper.

Abstract: The development of a real-time traffic diversion control system for integrated freeway and arterial networks, as part of the most currently envisioned Intelligent Vehicle/Highway System (IVHS) is the topic of this paper. The objective of the traffic control system referred to as 'Smartnet' is to use real-time data to divert traffic from freeway to arterial networks so as to reduce congestion and improve drivers' travel time. The freeway network chosen for this work is the l-395 freeway corridor area in Northern Virginia, between the Capital Beltway and the District of Columbia. The arterials designated as alternative routes for diversion were primarily chosen to comply to network conditions and to conform with expected driver behavior in route selection. In addition, the route capacity, its associated ramps, and the normal flow volume were also considered in this selection process. The diversion strategies under this approach are based on the highway system performance. The aim is to optimize the system's performance as a whole.