Modeling and optimizing traffic light settings in road networks. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Göttlich, Simone; Herty, Michael; Ziegler, Ute
• Is Part Of: Computers & operations research. Volume 55(2015)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Traffic networks -- Discretized conservation laws -- Optimization -- Mixed-integer programming; Operations research -- Periodicals; Electronic digital computers -- Periodicals; 004.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cor.2014.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-0548

Abstract

Abstract: We discuss continuous traffic flow network models including traffic lights. A mathematical model for traffic light settings within a macroscopic continuous traffic flow network is presented, and theoretical properties are investigated. The switching of the traffic light states is modeled as a discrete decision and is subject to optimization. A numerical approach for the optimization of switching points as a function of time based upon the macroscopic traffic flow model is proposed. The numerical discussion relies on an equivalent reformulation of the original problem as well as a mixed-integer discretization of the flow dynamics. The large-scale optimization problem is solved using derived heuristics within the optimization process. Numerical experiments are presented for a single intersection as well as for a road network.