A multi-class ramp metering and routing control scheme to reduce congestion and traffic emissions in freeway networks

In this paper, a multi-class and multi-objective combined ramp metering and routing control strategy is proposed to improve performance in freeway traffic networks. The control strategy is of the multi-class type, i.e. different classes of vehicles are taken into account, so that specific control policies can be devised for each class. Moreover, ramp metering and route guidance are properly coordinated in order to reduce the total travel time and the total emissions in the freeway system in a balanced way. The controller proposed in the paper is of the predictive feedback type, i.e. the control computed at each time step depends on the measured system state and on the prediction of the system evolution, considering both a traffic and an emission model. Some simulation results are presented showing the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.