Integrated Simulation and Information System for Traffic Management, Operations and Control

Project summary:

The work that is proposed for the current phase is to develop an "Integrated Simulation and Information System for Traffic Management, Operations, and Control." Such a system will have an automated geometry and sensor data access, flexible control capabilities, and automated simulation output standards-for both microscopic and macroscopic simulators. This work will be possible by capitalizing on previous work conducted with programmatic funding. The resulting integrated system will be a valuable operations and research tool. Such a system will have the following characteristics:(1) Include both microscopic (AIMSUN) and macroscopic (KRONOS) simulation. (2) Have a common generic freeway geometry data set and map-based interface shared by both simulators, with the capability of choosing specific sub-networks for simulation using "point-and-click". (3) Both simulators will have automated access to the volume sensor information stored in the Traffic Data Management system (TDMS) developed in Phase 2. (4) Have automated output/visualization capabilities, which will communicate key simulation results in a quick and easy-to-read fashion. (5) Have a generic control data set/interface, which will allow a user to set-up a wide variety of control plans, including the current Mn/DOT ramp metering control scheme. (6) Allow for simulation of variable control schemes using one or both simulators