On the continuum approximation of the on-and-off signal control on dynamic traffic networks

Ke Han, Vikash V. Gayah, Benedetto Piccoli, Terry L. Friesz and Tao Yao

Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 2014, vol. 61, issue C, 73-97

Abstract: In the modeling of traffic networks, a signalized junction is typically treated using a binary variable to model the on-and-off nature of signal operation. While accurate, the use of binary variables can cause problems when studying large networks with many intersections. Instead, the signal control can be approximated through a continuum approach where the on-and-off control variable is replaced by a continuous priority parameter. Advantages of such approximation include elimination of the need for binary variables, lower time resolution requirements, and more flexibility and robustness in a decision environment. It also resolves the issue of discontinuous travel time functions arising from the context of dynamic traffic assignment.

Keywords: Traffic signal; Continuum approximation; LWR model; Convergence; Approximation error; Vehicle spillback (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (21)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.trb.2014.01.001

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