Analysis of variation in demand and performance of urban expressways using dynamic path flow estimation

Abstract

Understanding the dynamic characteristics of traffic demand is a key issue in designing a more reliable transport network. Identifying variations in link flow is easy, but it is impossible to determine variations in demand directly from observed traffic data. In this study, demand fluctuation was analysed using the dynamic path flow estimation method. Path flows were estimated using 1 year data from the Hanshin Expressway in Japan, and demand variations were analysed using the estimated results. This article also discusses the relationship between demand variations and external conditions such as weather and commercial practises. The results provide a valuable background for more detailed traffic control measures.