OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES APPLIED TO IMPROVING FREEWAY OPERATIONS

This paper describes optimization techniques which have been developed and applied for evaluating freeway operational improvements such as redesign and/or ramp control strategies. The paper has four major parts. First, a deterministic macroscopic simulation model is described which predicts the traffic performance on a directional freeway as a function of freeway design and traffic demand patterns. Then two decision models are presented which automatically work with the simulation model to select optimum redesign and/or ramp control strategies. Finally, a freeway corridor model is described. Emphasis is given to the structure of the model and to the first step in the development of the freeway corridor model which is a major arterial street model.