Investigation on variable speed limit control strategy of expressway under adverse weather conditions

Abstract

In order to effectively improve the capacity of expressways under adverse weather conditions (rainy, foggy and snowy) and reduce the potential safety hazards of expressways, a variable speed limit control strategy is proposed. First, the impact of road alignment on traffic capacity is considered, and road traffic capacity reduction coefficients under different bends and slopes are added so that the cell transmission model and a dynamic traffic flow model can be established; Secondly, the maximum speed limit value under adverse weather conditions is determined according to the influence of rainfall intensity under rainy weather conditions, visibility under foggy weather conditions, and road adhesion coefficient under snowy weather conditions on traffic capacity; Finally, an adaptive genetic algorithm is employed to solve the function that satisfies the safety and efficiency of traffic operation. The results show that the variable speed limit control strategy under adverse weather conditions effectively improves the road capacity, reduces the driving risk of vehicles, and alleviates traffic congestion.