In order to obtain effective traffic information, a strategic traffic data collection plan in terms of the density and locations of vehicle detector (VD) installation is one of the crucial components that is worthy of further investigation. Based on the desirable vehicle detector installation plan, it is possible to predict effective and reliable travel time information, and predetermine optimal traffic control strategies to achieve some system-wide objectives. The purposes of the present research are to investigate the relationships between vehicle detector installation locations and the performance of predicted link travel times given by various travel time estimation / prediction models, and to incorporate the effects of stop delays on signalized intersections in the estimation of arterial travel times. The empirical test results based on both simulation experiments and field data collection demonstrate the capability of the proposed framework in the prediction of arterial travel times. More significantly, it is able to provide traffic management centers with effective travel time information in making desirable traffic control and/or management strategies, and assist motorists in making better travel decisions. For the covering abstract see ITRD E134653
Abstract