Cross-Comparison and Calibration of Two Microscopic Traffic Simulation Models for Complex Freeway Corridors with Dedicated Lanes

Abstract

Realistic microscopic traffic simulation is essential for prospective evaluation of the potential impacts of new traffic control strategies. Freeway corridors with interacting bottlenecks and dedicated lanes generate complex traffic flow phenomena and congestion patterns, which are difficult to reproduce with existing microscopic simulation models. This paper discusses two alternative driving behavior models that are capable of modeling freeways with multiple bottlenecks and dedicated lanes over an extended period with varying demand levels. The models have been calibrated using archived data from a complicated 13-mile long section of the northbound SR99 freeway near Sacramento, California, for an 8-hour time period in which the traffic fluctuated from free-flow to congested conditions. The corridor includes multiple bottlenecks, multiple entry and exit ramps, and an HOV lane. Calibration results show extremely good agreement between field data and model predictions. The models have been cross-validated and produced similar macroscopic traffic performance. The main behavior that should be captured for successful modeling of such a complex corridor includes the anticipative and cooperative driver behavior near merges, lane preference in presence of dedicated lanes, and variations in desired headway along the corridor.

Calibration and Validation Methodology for Simulation Models of Intelligent Work Zones

“…In this paper, the calibration objective is controlled such that an optimal set of values for parameter vector ( k 1 , k 2 , c, φ ) will satisfy both min{RMSE( k 1 , k 2 , c, φ )} and RMSE( k 1 , k 2 , c, φ ) < 20% based on previous best practice as described in literature ( 25, 26 ).…”

“…where E nt = the empirical measure of nth vehicle during tth time interval (s); S nt = the simulated measure of nth vehicle during tth time interval (s); t = time interval, t = 1, 2, ., T; n = vehicle number, n = 1, 2, ., N t ; and N t = total number of vehicles in tth time interval. In this paper, the calibration objective is controlled such that an optimal set of values for parameter vector (k 1 , k 2 , c, j) will satisfy both min{RMSE(k 1 , k 2 , c, j)} and RMSE(k 1 , k 2 , c, j) \ 20% based on previous best practice as described in literature (25,26).…”

Evaluation of Microsimulation Models for Roadway Segments with Different Functional Classifications in Northern Iran

“…However, the roundabout intersection generally had the largest number of conflicts. Kan et al [27] studied freeway corridors that had dedicated lanes and periodically experienced congestion. Two driving behavior models were proposed and implemented in AIMSUN and MOTUS.…”

Introducing the Effects of Road Geometry Into Microscopic Traffic Models for Automated Vehicles

“…Conversely, road geometry has been largely ignored in prevailing microscopic traffic models, due to the difficulty to estimate its effect on human responses. Although in some traffic simulation software, microscopic models are reported to be able to reproduce the impacts of road geometry (e.g., the maximum and minimum acceleration in AIMSUN can vary depending on road slope) [8], the methodologies behind those approaches are rarely published or justified. As a result, existing traffic models have a limited capability to reproduce traffic dynamics where road geometry induces signficant disturbances.…”