Expert System for Transportation Corridors

Semantic nets and frame representations are used by an expert system under development to assist in the selection of projects and control strategies in transportation corridors. The project selection is based on the judgement and accumulated knowledge of expert individuals from the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The expert system can draw conclusions based on uncertain information and is not restricted to situations that have well-defined solutions. Technical criteria incorporated in the expert system include travel delays, average speeds, travel demand, level of service and cost-effectiveness. Alternatives considered include light rail transit (IRT) bus lanes, reversible lanes, regular traffic lanes, and metered ramps.