Ramp Metering Design Tools and Field Test Implementation of Queue Control

PATH Task Order 6329 has as its two main goals 1) to create a software tool which can be used to design and test ramp metering systems for freeways, and 2) to prepare necessary software to conduct a field test of a queue control algorithm developed under T.O. 5503. Both of these objectives are directed towards improving the effectiveness of ramp metering strategies for freeways by using advanced technologies in traffic sensors (Sensys), data storage (PeMS), and ramp metering algorithms (Alinea, SWARM).The Ramp Metering Design Tool (RMDT) has been designed to meet the first of these goals. The RMDT is a Matlab based software tool that guides the user through a clearly defined sequence of steps leading from data collection (using PeMS), through calibration, to simulation. The final outcome of the process is a calibrated model of the freeway which can be used to test different operational strategies, such as ramp metering.