Traffic Flow Modeling Simulation and Signal Timing Plans Evaluation of the Miller Hill Corridor

Project summary:

This project is a study of the traffic flow modeling, simulation, and signal timing plans evaluation of the Miller Hill corridor in Duluth, Minnesota. The corridor on Highway 194 between Arlington Avenue and Haines Road is recognized as one of the most heavily traveled and congested roadways in the Duluth area. The ability to better understand traffic in that area will provide for better traffic management and better traveler information. The traffic data along the corridor was collected over a ten-month period using a non-intrusive side-fire mounted RTMS traffic detector. A modified Papageorgiou's macroscopic model was then developed to model the traffic flow on the corridor. Using the data collected, the model parameters were identified by solving a least squares optimization problem. From the dynamic model developed, a traffic flow simulation system was then further developed and implemented to perform the real-time traffic simulation along the corridor during the PM rush hours. Finally, based on the traffic flow modeling and simulation results, the traffic signal timing optimization along the corridor was conducted. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide a better signal timing plan to improve the efficiency of traffic movement in that area.