Design and Evaluation of Network Control Strategies Using the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram

Abstract

The Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD) has been demonstrated to exist on traffic networks. Researchers have proposed using MFDs to monitor the status of a traffic network to inform the design of network-wide traffic control strategies. Since the data needed to construct an MFD is not always readily available, estimating MFDs using a limited number of probe vehicle trajectory data with varied penetration rates is proposed. Subsequently, congestion control strategies are applied to the network and the MFDs are plotted for each control strategy. The results demonstrate that it is feasible to use the MFD estimated using limited probe data as an effective tool to monitor and control a network. The most effective strategy is a network-wide adaptive traffic signal control system, which decreases delays by up to 40%. Average fuel consumption levels decrease by up to 10%. Furthermore, combining control strategies without fully integrating them produces system-wide dis-benefits relative to running each system independently.