The role of information dissemination in sustaining a stable and Resilient Traffic Network under disruption

Abstract

ABSTRACT A functioning roadway system is key to any society and economy. Traffic events such as maintenance and accidents reduce roadway capacity and can have immediate, large and lasting impact on traffic conditions. This paper investigates the role of information dissemination as a control tool for reducing the negative effects of a traffic event. It examines how timely information can prevent unnecessary route changes and counteract misinformation, restoring traffic equilibrium faster. Systems that recover equilibrium more rapidly are considered more resilient. A traffic flow evolution model is applied to analyze network behavior post-disruption, with a model parameter interpreted as an information dissemination penetration rate adjustable by operators. Numerical experiments investigate the effects of the penetration rate on travel times, revealing a critical rate for quickly re-establishing a new equilibrium. Beyond this rate, greater traffic oscillations can be expected. The study determines the best information penetration rate to maximize network resilience while ensuring stability.