Track: Transportation and Traffic

Abstract

This research presents a simplified methodology to develop rapid macroscopic traffic simulation models that can be used study reduced areas or districts with high traffic congestion. In contrast to the classical macroscopic approaches that require large amounts of data and a large-scale implementation model, the proposed approach focusses on a manageable area instead to trying to cover the entire road network of a city. For the purposes of the investigation, the subject of study is an area of high demand with access to a bridge that connect two populated districts of Valdivia, Chile. Two virtual models were constructed, calibrated, and validated. The base model representing the actual situation and a second one with a double bridge to connect the districts. Simulation results revealed a significant difference in the rate of use of the bridge`s lanes in both directions during the peak hours. While the base model showed a use rate close 76% and 73% in each direction of the bridge, the double bridge model showed a use rate close to 38% in both directions. In conclusion, simulation results suggests that the proposed simplified methodology might be to be a useful tool for developing reliable models that produce consistent results.