Simulation and Optimization of Regional Road Network

Abstract

A macroscopic Traffic Simulation and Optimization (TSAO) model has been developed for regional highway networks. It was applied to the Maryland Eastern Shore network, where heavy recreational traffic creates severe congestion and long queues at bottlenecks on summer weekends. Fourteen alternatives for improvement, including capacity expansion projects and route diversion, were analyzed. Results show the cost‐effectiveness of route diversion as a substitute for new construction on intercity networks where high demand peaks are infrequent. The applicability of the TSAO model to large networks with complex demand patterns and insufficient capacity is also demonstrated.