A multi-lane link model of traffic dynamics based on the "space-time" queue

This work is an extension of a simplified discrete-flow model of traffic dynamics previously proposed by the author (2000). An important property of the earlier model is that it can be solved without the longitudinal discretization of network links, which results in exceptionally fast execution times. The model is further developed here in order to take into account the effects of lane-changing activity, which can result in significant reductions in the effective flow capacity of a section of road. The model presented here accurately captures these reductions in flow, while maintaining the "link-based" nature of the earlier model. The proposed model is unique in its ability to capture the effects of complex interactions with very little computational effort. Simulation results obtained for a small yet challenging example compare very well with those obtained with the AIMSUN2 traffic simulator