Heterogeneous Traffic Flow Model for a Two-Lane Roundabout and Controlled Intersection

Abstract

Modern urban traffic management depends heavily on the efficiency of road features, such as controlled intersections and multi-lane roundabouts. Vehicle throughput at any such configuration is modified by traffic mix, by rules governing manoeuvrability and by driver observance, as well as by traffic density. Here, we study heterogeneous traffic flow on two-lane roads through a cellular automata model for a binary mix of long and short vehicles. Throughput is investigated for a range of arrival rates and for fixed turning rate at an intersection: manoeuvres, while described in terms of left-lane driving, are completely generalisable. For a given heterogeneous distribution of vehicle type, there is a significant impact on queue length, delay times experienced and throughput at a fixed-cycle traffic light controlled two-way intersection and two-lane roundabout, when compared to the homogeneous case. As the proportion of long vehicles increases, average throughput for both configurations declines for increasing arrival rate, with average queue length and waiting time correspondingly increased. The effect is less-marked for the two-lane roundabout, due to absence of cross-traffic delays. Nevertheless, average waiting times and queue lengths remain uniformly high for arrival rates >0.25 vehicle per second (900 vph) on entry roads and for long vehicle proportion above 0.30–0.35.

Cellular Automaton to Study the Impact of Changes in Traffic Rules in a Roundabout: A Preliminary Approach

“…Cellular automata have been applied to describe traffic jams [61], queue lengths before intersections and roundabouts [10,62] and to compare the capacities of various road solutions [63], as well as to study drivers' behaviours and to provide references for traffic design and management at roundabouts [64].…”

Graph Cellular Automata with Relation-Based Neighbourhoods of Cells for Complex Systems Modelling: A Case of Traffic Simulation

“…The N-Sch model proved to be a powerful and simple road traffic simulation tool and it began various modifications and extensions [62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71], but all these new solutions are based on direct neighbourhood (neighbouring, closest cells) and they are focused mostly on one-way roads.…”

Comparative Study of Operational Performance between Roundabout and Signalized Intersection Using Sidra Software: A Case Study of Addis Ababa City

“…Traffic congestion is one of the leading societal and economic problems in urban areas related to transportation industries, both in developed and developing countries [1]. Traffic congestion is mainly observed around intersections.…”