Simulation of Traffic Flow through a Highway Interchange System

Participants: C. B. Clemons (Theo and Applied Math), K. L. Kreider (Theo and Applied Math), T. S. Norfolk (Theo and Applied Math), J. W. Wilder (Theo and Applied Math), G. W. Young (Theo and Applied Math)

Understanding the flow of traffic through a highway interchange system is important for the design process and the smooth operation of the roadway. Currently, traffic engineers ignore entrance and exit ramps in the models by placing sensors upstream from exit ramps and downstream from entrance ramps. These sensors measure traffic density and speed. The goal of this project is to develop a continuum-based model of traffic flow that includes the effects of the ramps, greatly reducing the need for sensors. This reduces data collection costs and increases the flexibility of simulations. The model is an extension of the viscous model by Zhang (Transportation Research Part B 37 (2003) 27-41). The initial model includes only one lane in each direction.

Related Links: Highway Research Center