The use of weather data to predict non-recurring traffic congestion

Abstract

This project will demonstrate the quantitative relationship between weather patterns and surface traffic conditions. The aviation and maritime industries use weather measurements and predictions as a normal part of operations, and this can be extended to surface transportation. While it is generally asserted that there is a causal relationship between weather and transportation systems delays, this relationship has not been quantified in a way that allows the effect on surface transportation systems to be predicted. This research has the potential to accomplish two very important things: (1) prediction of non-recurring traffic congestion and (2) prediction of conditions under which incidents or accidents can have a significant impact on the freeway system. This linkage of weather to traffic may be one of the only non-recurring congestion phenomena that can be accurately predicted. This work will create algorithms and implementations to correlate weather with traffic congestion. Furthermore, it may provide a means for traffic management to place resources proactively to clear incidents. /Abstract from report summary page/\n