Abstract
A number of intelligent transportation system technologies are deployed for disseminating information to travelers. One of the most important parameters for assessing the impacts and benefits of these deployments that influence route selection is the diversion rates of travelers. In this research, a method was developed to estimate traffic diversions on the basis of main-line detector data without the need for off-ramp detectors. In addition, the estimation allows the assessment of the guidelines and procedures for disseminating information and evaluating the impacts on alternative routes. The validity of the developed methodology was verified by comparing the estimated values with real-world data. Case studies of the developed method indicated that the average diversion rate was about 10% to 35% for three-lane and four-lane freeways, depending on the number of lanes blocked. A linear relationship between the average diversion rate and the lane blockage ratio was also developed; this relationship indicated that there was a general trend of increase in diversion with the increase in the lane blockage ratio.
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