A Simulation-Optimization Framework for Integrated Infrastructure Condition and Traffic Management Strategies

Abstract

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for keeping its road network in a state of good repair while also aiming to reduce congestion through the implementation of different traffic control and demand management strategies. These strategies can result in changes in traffic volume distributions, which in turn affect the level of pavement deterioration due to traffic loading. To address this issue, this paper introduces an integrated simulation-optimization framework that accounts for the combined effects of pavement condition and traffic management decision-making strategies. The research focuses on exploring the range of possible performance outcomes resulting from this integrated modeling approach. The authors illustrate the proposed framework and provide a case study analysis in Virginia, USA. The results showed that the optimized model could achieve a maximum CCI increase from an average of 65 to 100, causing about 80% of travel time increase. On the other hand, a do-nothing approach preserves travel time but decreases the CCI by seven points on average during one fiscal year. The use of the proposed framework is therefore crucial for decision-making purposes and can help DOTs understand the trade-off involved when considering traffic management and pavement performance.