TRAFFIC METERING: AN EFFECTIVENESS STUDY

This article describes project activities associated with development and evaluation of external metering control strategies. It describes the rationale of external metering control, as well as objectives, methodology, and results of the study. External metering limits the traffic volume that can enter a control area. The main function of external metering is to disperse entering traffic demand over time and possible space, to reduce highly congested conditions within the control area, in exchange for some delays in vehicle access. Study results are presented in the context of some real-world considerations. The article concludes with a brief description of future research needs.