An Integrated Real-Time Simulation/Optimization System for the Eastern Shore Highway Network: Research Methodology

This study presents the core methodology of an integrated real-time simulation/optimization system for the Eastern Shore highway network in the state of Maryland. The developed system consists of algorithms for both planning and operational analyses. The planning algorithm offers the tool for planners to estimate the approximate evacuation time and the target distribution of traffic demand to each evacuation route. The control algorithm enables the responsible operators to optimize the cycle length and signal timing for intersections on each evacuation route, based on the traffic volume estimated with the planning algorithm. To facilitate the system application, this study has integrated both algorithms with a real-time simulation program designed for the entire Eastern Shore region, and the users can execute all embedded system functions via a customized website, http://oceancity.umd.edu/. The output of the system includes time-varying evacuation throughput, travel time, speed, and potential bottlenecks on each route. The number of people remaining to be evacuated during the evolution of evacuation operations is also available from the system‘s output.