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A Behavioral Theory of Multi-Lane Traffic Flow Part I: Long Homogeneous Freeway Sections

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  • Daganzo, Carlos F.

Abstract

This paper proposes a macroscopic behavioral theory of traffic dynamics for homogeneous, multi-lane freeways. The theory makes predictions for separate groups of lanes while recognizing that the traffic stream is usually composed of aggressive and timid drivers. Its principles are so simple that non-scientist drivers can understand them. The simplest version of the theory, which is described in its full complexity without calculus, is shown to be qualitatively consistent with experimental observations, including the most puzzling. Its predictions agree with the following phenomena: (i) the 'reversed lambda' pattern frequently observed in scatter-plots of flow versus occupancy and the lane-specific evolution of the data points with time, including the 'hysteresis' phenomenon, (ii) the lane-specific patterns in the time series of speed (and flow) in both queued and unqueued traffic, and (iii) the peculiar ways in which disturbances of various types propagate across detector stations. The latter effects include the evolution of both, stoppages and transitions between the queued and unqueued traffic regimes. The simple model is specified by means of eight observable parameters. The paper gives a recipe for solving any well-posed problem with this model and does so in sufficient detail to allow the development of computer models. A few approaches and possible generalizations are suggested. A sequel to this paper, devoted to freeway sections near on-ramps, will attempt to explain in more detail than previously attempted how queuing begins at merges.

Suggested Citation

  • Daganzo, Carlos F., 1999. "A Behavioral Theory of Multi-Lane Traffic Flow Part I: Long Homogeneous Freeway Sections," Institute of Transportation Studies, Research Reports, Working Papers, Proceedings qt8n96n91w, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley.
    • Handle: RePEc:cdl:itsrrp:qt8n96n91w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daganzo, Carlos F. & Lin, Wei-Hua & Del Castillo, Jose M., 1997. "A simple physical principle for the simulation of freeways with special lanes and priority vehicles," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 103-125, April.
    2. G. F. Newell, 1955. "Mathematical Models for Freely-Flowing Highway Traffic," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 3(2), pages 176-186, May.
    3. Daganzo, Carlos F., 1997. "A continuum theory of traffic dynamics for freeways with special lanes," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 83-102, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhang, H.M. & Kim, T., 2005. "A car-following theory for multiphase vehicular traffic flow," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 39(5), pages 385-399, June.
    2. Banks, James H., 2003. "Average time gaps in congested freeway flow," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 37(6), pages 539-554, July.
    3. Kim, T. & Zhang, H.M., 2008. "A stochastic wave propagation model," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 42(7-8), pages 619-634, August.
    4. Zhang, H. Michael & Kim, T., 2003. "A Car-Following Theory for Multiphase Vehicular Traffic Flow," University of California Transportation Center, Working Papers qt9m6307tb, University of California Transportation Center.
    5. Zhang, H. Michael & Kim, T., 2002. "Understanding and Modeling Driver Behavior in Dense Traffic Flow," University of California Transportation Center, Working Papers qt5jv2d6f2, University of California Transportation Center.
    6. Zhang, H. M., 2003. "Anisotropic property revisited--does it hold in multi-lane traffic?," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 37(6), pages 561-577, July.
    7. Banks, James H. & Amin, Mohammad R. & Cassidy, Michael & Chung, Koohong, 2003. "Validation of Daganzo's Behavioral Theory of Multi-Lane Traffic Flow: Final Report," Institute of Transportation Studies, Research Reports, Working Papers, Proceedings qt550516vw, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley.
    8. Chung, Koohong & Cassidy, Michael, 2002. "Testing Daganzo's Behavioral Theory for Multi-lane Freeway Traffic," Institute of Transportation Studies, Research Reports, Working Papers, Proceedings qt4dt1k17h, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley.
    9. Kai Nagel & Peter Wagner & Richard Woesler, 2003. "Still Flowing: Approaches to Traffic Flow and Traffic Jam Modeling," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 51(5), pages 681-710, October.
    10. Zhang, H.M. & Kim, T., 2003. "A car-following theory for multiphase vehicular traffic flow," University of California Transportation Center, Working Papers qt30k0t04m, University of California Transportation Center.
    11. Banks, James, 2002. "Validation of Daganzo's Behavioral Theory of Mult-Lane Traffic Flow: Interim Report," Institute of Transportation Studies, Research Reports, Working Papers, Proceedings qt4p57p2tc, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley.

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