Stop-start traffic waves in tunnels are recurrent phenomena which reduce tunnel traffic production. They are studied by the analysis of two types of multipoint data. The pattern of their generation is disclosed by contours drawn on a space-time diagram giving average flow, concentration, and speed. Values of wave speeds, wave amplitudes, and concentrations before, after, and during a stop-start wave reported on. These analyses lead to a general picture of tunnel traffic behaviour and explain the occurrence of periodic stop-start waves.
Abstract