Control and Optimization Methods for Traffic Signal Control in Large-scale Congested Urban Road Networks

The problem of designing real-time traffic signal control strategies for large-scale congested urban road networks via suitable application of control and optimization methods is considered. Three alternative methodologies are proposed, all based on the store-and-forward modeling (SFM) paradigm. The first methodology results in a linear multivariable feedback regulator derived through the formulation of the problem as a linear-quadratic (LQ) optimal control problem. The second methodology leads to an open-loop constrained quadratic optimal control problem whose numerical solution is achieved via quadratic-programming (QP). Finally, the third methodology leads to an open-loop constrained nonlinear optimal control problem whose numerical solution is effectuated by use of a feasible-direction algorithm. A simulation-based investigation of the signal control problem for a large-scale urban network using these methodologies is presented. Results demonstrate the efficiency and real-time feasibility of the developed generic control methods.