01595641

Component

Ramp metering is a traffic management technique aimed at controlling the flow of traffic entering motorways and freeways, thus minimizing congestion on the main thoroughfare. This technique has been studied and implemented globally since the 1960s attracting debate over the deficiencies and merits of the system. To date, there has not been a consensus on an evaluation methodology concerning the implementation of ramp metering. This paper attempts to extend previous methodologies by conducting a comparative evaluation of the state-of-the-art coordinated ramp metering solutions on the entire network. In order to ensure that the underlying infrastructure represents a realistic setting, the network geometry has been based on a selection of Sydney’s road network. The two state-of-the-art ramp metering systems used in Australasia (i.e. HERO and SCATS Ramp Metering System) were then implemented and calibrated using the available literature and microsimulation modules. Equal effort was made to fine-tune the calibration of both ramp metering solutions. Finally, ramp metering solutions were examined under six different hypothetical demand conditions to test the robustness and flexibility of the systems. Results and outcomes of the evaluation are presented with the aim of understanding the key performance metrics and factors which affect the successful implementation of these ramp metering solutions in a network wide context. Whilst the focus of the study is on the performance of the ramp metering solutions, other factors which influence the preference of a particular ramp metering solution are also explored through interviews with the road authorities that have implemented ramp metering within Australasia

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB20 Standing Committee on Freeway Operations. Alternate title: Networkwide Evaluation of Ramp Metering Solutions: Sydney Case Study.

01584066

16-5251

English

19p

2016

Transportation Research Board 95th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; References; Tables

Evaluation and assessment; Highway traffic control; Networks; Ramp metering

Australasia; Sydney (Australia)

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2016 Paper #16-5251

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 12 2016 6:17PM