VARIABLE SPEED LIMIT SYSTEM’S MICROSCOPIC SIMULATION MODELING: AN OVERVIEW AND CASE STUDY ON PAKISTAN MOTORWAYS

Abstract

Driving in major cities during rush hour may be an absolute living hell due to the massive amounts of traffic that accumulate on the roads. Throughout the years, numerous potential solutions to solve the issue of traffic congestion on highways have been evaluated with the help of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). One of the most well-known and generally accepted of the new approaches that have evolved is the Variable Speed Limit (VSL) system. In this study, an advanced method known as microsimulation is used to help recreate the conditions that were present on the field. This is accomplished by simulating the traffic situation with PTV VISSIM software and modifying the default parameters without actually altering the characteristics that were present on the field. Using this method, the plan is incorporated into the system to achieve effective outcomes. This method also assists in the construction of various strategies. The main goal of this research is to develop an algorithm that, in the event of an accident, extreme weather, or road closure, can enhance the occupancy rate, and average speed, and can reduce delay, and total average travel time. The study compares the three possible outcomes: without an incident and VSL, with an incident and without VSL, and with an incident and with VSL. VSL is incorporated into the simulation through the utilization of both the VisVAP and the VISSIM COM interface. According to the data, VSL strategies performed significantly better than non-VSL scenarios in terms of the occupancy rate, the average speed, and the delay. In addition to this, the total amount of time needed for travel to VSL key conditions was cut down.