Globally optimal solutions to the on-ramp metering problem - Part 2

For pt.I, see ibid., p.509-14 (2004). The main results of part 1 are summarized and extended. The problems of the rapidly decaying mainline cost weights, non-zero on-ramp cost weights, and the lack of on-ramp queue length constraints in the original formulation are resolved by introducing two new assumptions: 1) congestion on the mainline does not spill onto the on-ramps, and 2) r_-i^c=0. A numerical example based on a 14-mile stretch of a congested freeway is used to demonstrate the technique. The example predicts a 8.4% savings in the total travel time, with queue constraints, over the 5-hour peak period.