AUTOMATIC-CONTROL METHODS APPLIED TO FREEWAY NETWORK TRAFFIC

The paper presents a general state-space modeling approach for multiorigin multidestination freeway traffic networks including a variety of connecting routes for each origin-destination pair. The problem of controlling variable direction signs at bifurcation locations so as to achieve system optimal or user optimal traffic conditions is formulated in control engineering terms. A number of well-known control strategies are suggested and their effectiveness is tested by simulation means for a real medium-size freeway network. Future research tasks in this important application area of network traffic modeling and control are outlined.