Cyclically time-dependent optimization model for traffic signals; interaction between traffic control and demand; exceptional traffic situations

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Ekkehard Köhler; Professor Dr. Kai Nagel
• Subject Area: Traffic and Transport Systems, Intelligent and Automated Traffic
• Term: from 2013 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 223719378

The project aims to improve the theoretical and practical understanding of inner-city traffic with traffic signals and both approaches will benefit from each other. An integrated cyclically time-dependent optimization model for traffic signal coordination, red-green split optimization and traffic assignment is to be developed. As a result algorithms for the design of efficient fixed-time signal plans for networks of inner city traffic will be developed that are tailor-made for various high-density traffic situations. Their robustness will be studied, sensitivity analysis of the designed models with respect to changes in the traffic will be considered and the efficiency of the algorithms is to be improved. The optimized fixed-time control will be compared with a state of the art adaptive signal control. The comparison will consider typical measures of effectiveness for traffic signals as well as the influence on the transport demand. As it is not clear how demand reacts to a traffic control that reacts to the traffic state, methodical contributions in the area of traffic simulation will be provided. For simulation, the microscopic, dynamic simulation MATSim will be used.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants