Modeling Shuttle-Lane Roadwork Operated by Temporary Traffic Signals Using Microsimulation

This paper presents a newly developed microsimulation model for shuttle-lane (SL) urban roadwork (which is closing one lane of a single carriageway road while leaving the other for use by both directions in an alternating way), focusing on issues related to temporary traffic signal (TTS) control and its effectiveness. The model deals with general and more specific behavior of drivers, such as following too closely (tailgating), the effect of a dilemma zone, and noncompliance with TTSs. The main criteria of this model are governed by the application of car-following and SL rules. The model has been calibrated and validated using real traffic data taken from observed urban SL roadwork sites for both fixed-time and vehicle-actuated TTSs. Modified signal settings and various microwave-vehicle-detector detection ranges were also assessed in terms of their impact on capacity (throughput) and delays.