DEVELOPMENT OF COMPACT MICROSIMULATION FOR ANALYZING FREEWAY OPERATIONS AND DESIGN

The development of the freeway microsimulation FOMIS is described and an example of the kind of analysis possible with it is given. The model uses the vehicle-behavior algorithms of the freeway component of the simulation INTRAS, which is the corridor microsimulation developed for the Federal Highway Administration. The integration of these algorithms into a revised model structure overcomes some traffic operations difficulties experienced with INTRAS, greatly improves model speed, and provides a simulation model that can run on computers of very limited capacity. As an example of its application, a weaving section on I-95 in Dade County, Florida, is analyzed. The resulting analyses indicate operating patterns not generally derivable with existing methods. Varied and unusual design solutions emerge from the analyses. A model of this kind, which uses the particular traffic algorithms of INTRAS, has a potential as a supplemental tool to established procedures for applied freeway design problems. It could also assist in research into weaving and merging behavior in complex situations. (Authors)