A Generic Work Zone Evaluation Tool Driven by Macroscopic Traffic Simulation Model

Abstract

This study proposed a generic work zone evaluation tool driven by a dynamic macroscopic traffic model. The tool can investigate the effects of a work zone on freeway conditions. The classical freeway traffic network model METANET was extended to better capture typical work zone characteristics in terms of speed and capacity reductions through modifying its speed-density relationship functions. The tool can present profiles of traffic state variables, system-level performance indices, and annotated traffic conditions maps. It was used to develop a prototype computer-aided decision support system and applied in two simulation-based case studies. Case studies show that it is effective and useful for understanding complicated work zone impacts and can aid in better design and assessment of work zone plans. It can be integrated in a dynamic transportation management system for better communication between road operator and travellers.