This paper attempts to provide a qualitative overview of some recent developments in continuum vehicular traffic flow theory. It starts with an assessment of recent research efforts on the fundamental diagram that attempt to establish linkages between "static" flow-density- speed relationships and "dynamic" traffic flow phenomena. It then discusses the emerging continuum models that treat multiple vehicle classes and lane types and the non-equilibrium models that eliminate certain undesirable properties in the high-order continuum models and capture more realistically the instabilities in traffic phase transitions. Some limited field observations associated with the discussed theories are also presented. The challenge to improve the existing continuum traffic flow model is briefly discussed. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract No. E208120.
Samenvatting