Towards Network Topology-based Traffic Control Mechanism

Traffic congestion mitigation strategies often include debating the merit of adding more roads versus optimizing the existing ones. Identifying and improving critical intersections, particularly by adjusting signal control mechanisms, may result in a cost-effective solution. During system disruptions, such as natural or man-made disasters, traffic patterns become unpredictable, leading to gridlocks at certain intersections. It is essential to proactively identify these intersections and apply time and cost-saving solutions. Research has explored various improvement strategies for signalized intersections, such as using actuated controllers or implementing urban traffic control strategies during peak demand. However, the literature does not provide enough guidance on how to prioritize one intersection over the others for improved level service as well resilience. This study presents a new traffic control mechanism technique for improved level of service and resilience in road networks based on topological credentials i.e., rank of relative importance (i.e., node centrality) of network elements such as intersections. The goal is to systematically improve the network performance by adopting specific intervention strategies (i.e., signal controller setup) at certain intersections based on centrality and observing performance metrics such as system travel time and Level of Service (LOS). The study considered the Boise downtown network in Idaho to run these experiments in a simulated environment using Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) for two specific scenarios (i.e., normal and disrupted) under different schemes. Results indicate interventions (i.e., changing fixed-time controllers into actuated Ring Barrier Controller) made at certain intersections improves system performance as well as resilience.