Optimal operation of freeway weaving segment with combination of lane assignment and on-ramp signal control

ABSTRACT Lane assignment and on-ramp signal control are two potential methods for mitigating traffic congestion of weaving segments. Unlike methods in the existing literature, where the optimisation strategy is selected beforehand, this paper proposes an integrated optimisation model for a one-side weaving segment that explicitly takes into consideration the two optimisation strategies and their combinations. Therefore, the benefits and drawbacks of different design types could be fairly compared. A mixed-integer-non-linear programme is formulated to simultaneously optimise the optimisation strategy, lane markings, and signal timings. The results of extensive numerical and simulation analyses show that the proposed model could significantly improve the capacity of a weaving segment, especially under a high weaving volume ratio. Furthermore, the lane assignment strategy, combination of lane assignment and on-ramp control, and on-ramp signal control strategy may have better performances when the weaving volume ratio is low, medium, and high, respectively.

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