Modeling of freeway ramp merging process observed during traffic congestion

Abstract

This study's focus is on modeling vehicle acceleration-deceleration behavior during freeway and ramp maneuvers in congested traffic. Presented are methodologies for collecting field data, analyzing freeway merging behavior data and developing and calibrating ramp vehicle accelerating models. Substantial data were collected using videotape and image processing techniques. The entrance ramps in the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway were used for comprehensive traffic surveys. The paper presents a theoretical framework for modeling the ramp driver acceleration-deceleration behavior. The methodology uses the stimuli-response psychophysical concept as a fundamental rule and is formulated as a modified form of the car-following models. The findings could serve future highway geometric design criteria revision, and the mathematical framework of the developed model may be appropriate to study more driver behavioral aspects of congested freeways.