Rule based control for merges: assessment and case study

Merging areas are a common bottleneck source on motorways. In order to tackle congestion at these locations, efficient traffic management and control is vital to best utilize the available space. However, before the application of any traffic control measures, a thorough analysis of the effectiveness of the designed control action needs to be evaluated. The paper presents insights for the assessment of rule based traffic control at motorway merges. The methodology is then applied to a case study wherein an advisory system using rule based control for motorway merges considering mixed traffic is evaluated. With the aim to reduce travel times at merging sections, advices from the control system influencing the longitudinal behavior of mainline vehicles were generated. The advisory system was tested in a microsimulation tool for various penetration rates of controlled vehicles on the mainline. The effect of implementing the control action, side-effects of the design, risks involved and the overall role in improving or deteriorating the merging situation are then discussed. This can hence help in further developing any rule based control systems at motorway merges.