Integrated optimal control of motorway traffic networks

The problem of designing integrated traffic control strategies for motorway networks with the use of ramp metering, motorway-to-motorway control, and route guidance is considered. A generic problem formulation is presented in the format of a discrete-time optimal control problem whose numerical solution is achieved by use of a nonlinear optimisation method. As an illustrative example, a relatively simple motorway network is considered under different control scenarios. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach as well as the intelligent behaviour of the designed control strategy