Automatic control of variable message signs in Aalborg

This paper presents the design, implementation, and partial evaluation work performed by a European consortium for the development of a Variable Message Sign (VMS) information and guidance system in the city of Aalborg, Denmark. The employed control strategy is based on simple automatic control concepts with decentralized feedback loops aiming at approximating a user optimal traffic flow distribution in the mixed network, that comprises a motorway axis and an urban component. Simulation studies demonstrate the potential improvements achievable with this kind of control measures and control strategies. The implementation concept and first field results are outlined.