Computer aided testing and evaluation of adaptive ramp control strategies

In this paper a practical methodology is presented for selecting, testing and calibrating the most suitable adaptive ramp control strategy for freeway corridors. This methodology is part of a Traffic Management Laboratory (TRAMLAB) and can also be used for improving or fine tuning existing control strategies or developing new ones. The simulation part TRAMLAB is based on automating the use of simulation to the extent possible through the integration with a user defined external traffic management system and simplifying data entry through computer aided design. A simple application of the use of TRAMLAB is presented by implementing afield proven real time ramp control strategy and comparing it with the no-control alternative. Plans for using TRAMLAB for developing the next generation of the control strategy and other applications or enhancements are also presented.