Coordination between Traffic Light System and Traffic Circle: A Simulation Analysis Approach

Abstract

Congestion is a serious traffic problem in many countries in the world. In road network systems, it easily arises from intersections, weak points of traffic systems. To improve their capacities, much research has been done and applied, in which traffic light and traffic circle systems are usually used. They are truly effective ones in traffic systems especially in the developing countries, where there are not much money invested for infrastructure. Whether coordination between them is better or not that is studied in this article. In addition, although many mathematic models as well as simulation programs have been used to support improving traffic problems, they are mainly used for traffic systems in developed countries and not ensure to be applicable for these in developing countries with mixed traffic conditions, Vietnam case. Therefore, a specific traffic simulation program is used. Suitable simulation models are constructed to describe as well as compare or evaluate considered alternatives including traffic light systems, traffic circle and coordination between them at the intersections. Besides, the logic of simulation models is outlined. Simulation results are, then, presented and evaluated. Finally, some conclusions are proposed.