Optimal Dynamic Speed-Limit Control for Highway Work Zone Operations

Abstract

Despite the well-recognized fact that proper control of traffic speed can contribute to both a reduction in accidents and improved efficiency of highway operations, most existing speed-control strategies implemented in Europe and the United States tend to aim only at improving traffic safety. An on-line algorithm for variable speed-limit control at highway work zones is presented that can take full advantage of its dynamic functions and concurrently achieve the objectives of throughput maximization and accident minimization.