Track: Transportation and Traffic

Abstract

This research analyzes the reorganization of the traffic control devices in the city’s busiest avenue by means of implementing microscopic simulation models. The investigation focused on the development of alternatives to help reduce traffic congestion problems during hours of high demand. Initially, a base model to represent the actual situation in Valdivia’s downtown is constructed and validated. Then a second model including the proposed reorganization of the existing infrastructure is developed. Both models are implemented in PTV Vissim. Simulation results revealed that the proposed modifications help the aggregate time travel by 32,9% and the aggregate delay times for vehicles by 49,5%. In conclusion, the results suggest that virtual models properly calibrated and validated can be used to evaluate and quantify the potential impact of a reorganization of the traffic control devices.