Local ramp metering in the presence of random-location bottlenecks downstream of a metered on-ramp

Abstract

This paper studies a control strategy that is applicable to local ramp metering in the presence of random-location bottlenecks (RLB) downstream of any metered on-ramp. With the support of Vicroads (Highway Department of Victoria State, Australia), local ramp metering in the RLB case has recently been investigated, aiming to design appropriate and practicable ramp metering approaches. A related control strategy has been developed and tested in macroscopic simulation, and this paper presents some representative testing results. This strategy has been incorporated into the coordinated freeway ramp signal control system HERO and will be applied in Melbourne in the frame of a large-scale freeway upgrade project.