Integration of decision levels for traffic management in urban areas

In this paper, a novel methodology aiming at the management and control of traffic flows within urban areas, and specifically at the reduction of traffic congestion, is presented. The propose methodology is based on a multi-level system architecture integrating two decision levels, namely the dynamic route guidance level and the traffic signaling control level. The former level implements an approach for the determination of the optimal turning rates of vehicles traveling within the considered urban area. Basing on these values, in the latter level, a mathematical programming-based methodology determines the optimal duration of the phases of various traffic signaling systems in the considered area. A third level, namely the data collection and state estimation level, is also included in the proposed architecture and discussed in the paper.