Modeling Freeway Work Zones with Mesoscopic Dynamic Traffic Simulator: Validation, Gaps, and Guidance

Abstract

This study developed a validation procedure for a dynamic traffic assignment–based mesoscopic simulator and identified its relevant data requirements. Model inconsistencies at the network level can be detected through route-based validation with probe vehicle travel time data. Simultaneously, link-based validation uses point detector–based volume and speed data. A procedure for filtering the validation data set to make it consistent and comparable with the simulation results is outlined in the paper. Two assignment methods were tested with a detailed validation data set through a case study. The no-diversion assignment approach yielded higher travel time than the field-observed average time. In contrast, simulated travel time with the optimal diversion method implied a more rational behavior by drivers than was observed in the field, along with more diversion of trips on arterial routes in the vicinity of a work zone. Finally, a link-based performance comparison revealed worse queue spillback effects on the upstream links of the work zone than in reality.

Characterizing Lane Changes via Digitized Infrastructure and Low-Cost GPS

“…Wide-ranging research has been conducted to model and characterize lane change patterns and their effect on mobility and safety under different traffic and geometric conditions (1)(2)(3). In particular, near ramp-junctions where changing lanes is mandatory, lane positioning and frequency of lane changes can affect the mobility and safety of the roadway significantly (3)(4)(5)(6). To study these properties and impacts of lane changes, the first and foremost task is to accurately detect their location and time path and to estimate their frequency.…”

Effect of Light Duty Vehicle Performance on a Driving Style Metric

“…Absence of consideration of driver–vehicle interaction may have led to wide variability in the measured effect of vehicle performance on driving style. Moreover, characterization of this driver–vehicle interaction can feed into recently developed agent based traffic simulators ( 10 , 11 ) to test the effects of different policies on energy use.…”