Summary

Using the ramp metering design and evaluation tools of PATH TO 4136, 5305, and 5503, the Ramp Metering Design Tool (RMDT) Track of this project in collaboration with the CalTrans District 4 Office of Traffic Systems will compare the benefits of coordinated and traffic responsive ramp metering and aid the design and selection of the best performing on-ramp strategy for a District 4 freeway segment from I-880, I-680, or US-101.

Three software tools will be integrated: 1) a computationally efficient microscopic traffic flow-modeling tool, 2) a computationally efficient coordinated metering tool, and 3) a tool for evaluating traffic-responsive on-ramp control strategies. Together, these tools will help to achieve significant freeway operational improvements through ramp metering.

The Ramp Metering with Queue Control Field Test Track is in response to analytical and simulation studies conducted by PATH TO 4136 and 5503 that found that the queue override system in use produces oscillations between on-ramp queues and mainline densities. These result in reduced performance and functionality of ramp-metering strategies. Because an alternative queue control system has already been developed, this track would conduct a field test on one District 4 on-ramp and study the effect of the system on minimizing queues and mainline density oscillations and enhancing performance.

Related PATH Articles/Journals

(None Published)