An overview of a simulation study of the Highway 401 freeway traffic management system

This paper discusses the application of the network traffic simulation model INTEGRATION to a 35-km section of Highway 401 in Toronto, Canada. Results for the eastbound direction from 4 a.m. to 12 noon are presented. Existing freeway conditions are quantified using data from the COMPASS freeway traffic management system and from a floating car travel time survey. Variations that exist in observed link flows and trip travel durations over time of day and day of week are examined. The extent to which COMPASS data meets the data requirements of the INTEGRATION model is examined. Since the current COMPASS system encompassed less than 50% of the network analyzed, complications arise in accurately estimating the prevailing time-varying origin–destination demands, as well as in comprehensively validating the simulation model's results. The present level of model calibration results in a correlation coefficient of estimated and observed link flows of 97.23%. This level of discrepancy is generally within the natural day-to-day variations that are inherent within the system. However, travel times estimated by the simulation model tend to be underestimated, particularly for the express lanes. Further model calibration, to improve the model's results, is deferred until more of the network is covered by COMPASS. Key words: traffic simulation, COMPASS, model calibration, model validation, speed–flow relationship.