Environmental Impact of Combined Variable Speed Limit and Lane Change Control: A Comparison of MOVES and CMEM Model

Abstract: Highway congestion is detrimental to traffic mobility and has negative impact on the environment. Variable speed limit (VSL) control is an approach that aims to reduce the impact of congestion by controlling the speed of traffic along the highway lanes. In this study, we evaluate the environmental impact of a combined variable speed limit and lane change control strategy with two different fuel consumption/emission models: the EPA model MOVES and CMEM developed by the University of California at Riverside. Microscopic Monte-Carlo simulations of traffic on I-710 freeway are used to demonstrate the environment effect of the combined control method. Both environmental models are used to evaluate fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions with and without the combined control strategy. Despite some differences between the two models, the evaluation results of both models confirm the benefits of the combined variable speed limit and lane change control strategy.

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