Optimal Diversion Strategies for a Congested Urban Network. Phase 2 ProjectReport

摘要

The objects of the research are to develop and/or techniques for developingefficient diversion strategies in the event of blockage of portion of and urban network due to congestion-causing events, and to develop computer programs for real-time implementation of diversion strategies. To achieve this, a two-pronged research approach is being adopted. In the first approach, namely, the user-optimal approach, the basis of diversion is to re-route the motorists through the best alternate paths to their destinations. In the second approach, namely, the system-optimal approach, attempt is made to effect diversions to optimize the utility of system facility. The report presents the preliminary results of the application of destination estimation model (developed in phase 1 research) on a real network of northern Virginia. The intent of the task is to enable user-optimal diversion of motorists, knowing their destinations. Since dynamics of traffic flow have significant influence in diversion planning, a dynamic traffic assignment model is under development, the details of which are also presented here. System-optimal approach to tackling the problem led to the development of a preliminary model. Its details and application on a small network are also presented.