System optimal signal optimization formulation

Abstract

A mixed-integer linear programming formulation is proposed to solve the combined system optimal dynamic traffic assignment and signal optimization problem. Traffic conditions are modeled with the cell transmission model, a convergent numerical approximation to the hydrodynamic model of traffic flow. The formulation is suited to respond to oversaturated traffic conditions. It also can be adapted to account for turning movements, protected and permissive phases (gap acceptance), and multiple signal controller types: dynamic (traffic adaptive) and pretimed. Trials with a test network validated the formulation and achieved promising results. Specifically, dynamic signal control proved to be substantially more effective than pretimed control for incident conditions. In addition, potential benefits of rerouting vehicles in both directions of a roadway were revealed even when only one direction is closed.