Abstract
The research in this paper focuses on harmonization and synchronization of traffic flows in the period of application of zonal temporary traffic regulation. The specific case scenario addressed in this research implicates that on both carriageways no vehicles were allowed to reside in the work zones for a significant time interval in the same time periods on both sections. In order to solve this problem, the model for harmonization of the traffic flows on dual carriageway motorways with synchronization of opposing traffic flows on both carriageways in special traffic conditions is presented. Actual traffic situation that occurred is presented in order to demonstrate the model, where intensive traffic flows were interrupted on both carriageways during extensive road works on two nearby sections. The model described in this paper has several stages. The first stage implies detailed analysis of traffic flows with computation of expected number of vehicles in the queue. The next stage in the modelling process is to calculate the queue discharge time for both directions and propose measures to optimise operating speed in order to maximize capacity. Then, a graphical method by means of two-way coordination diagram is used to synchronise stop signal timings on all closed sections. This paper shows results of a new model that was developed and implemented in real situations in most complex conditions that can occur on motorways. The research findings have shown the suitability of the proposed model.
Highlights
The largest traffic load on motorways in Croatia is in tourist season, while in seasons with much less or none tourists the traffic load is very low
The Average Summer Daily Traffic (ASDT) in the months of July and August is significantly higher than the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) and in some instances it is as much as five times higher
We have focused on traffic flows on motorways in complex traffic situations, i.e. during extensive road works in near peak traffic operation
Summary
The largest traffic load on motorways in Croatia is in tourist season, while in seasons with much less or none tourists the traffic load is very low. The paper includes solution to theoretical aspect of harmonization (adjustment of one traffic flow in case that parts of it are interrupted) and synchronization (adjustment of two opposite traffic flows in case that parts of them are interrupted on two carriageways) of traffic flows during temporary traffic regulation with temporary signalisation on motorway in place (Akçelik et al 1997) Newer research on this topic is addressed in current literature (Tiaprasert et al 2015; Rossi et al 2014; Lee et al 2015; Clempner, Poznyak 2015)
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