Dynamic ramp metering approach for an urban highway using microscopic traffic simulation

Abstract

In this study, dynamic ramp metering approach has been applied on Levent ramp of Istanbul Outer Beltway (O-2) on which Fatih Sultan Mehmet (FSM) Bridge is located. In this context, field measurements at the related highway intersection have been obtained from highway authority in order to determine the pattern of the traffic, which fluctuates all day long. The most important output of the study is to test the ALINEA control mechanism, which may smooth the traffic flow on O-2. The algorithm has been implemented in PTV VISSIM microscopic traffic simulation environment. Obtained results have shown that even a standalone dynamic ramp metering process can be alleviated the traffic congestion on an urban highway sufficiently.