An Improved Regional Traffic Volume Dynamic Feedback Control

Abstract

The connection between traffic congestion and regional demand has become a consensus. A reasonable road network inflow control is essential to prevent the occurrence of congestion. With a consideration of deployment of detectors, an improved macroscopic fundamental diagram-based traffic volume dynamic control method via the feedback control is proposed in this study. Based on the origin–destination distribution of trips and connectivity of nodes, a novel method is adopted to identify the key nodes, on which the detectors are laid. An artificial neural network is adopted to predict traffic volume of those sections without detectors. As a case study, the proposed methodology is applied and estimated via simulation study to the regional road network which is located in the downtown area of Nanning, China. Adequate survey and analysis are carried out under the current road traffic conditions. It is proved that the regional traffic volume dynamic control can ensure steady and orderly regional traffic flow, and enhance the mobility during saturated traffic conditions.