Microscopic Analysis of Traffic Flow in Inclement Weather, Part 2

You are here: Homepage > Search

Microscopic Analysis of Traffic Flow in Inclement Weather, Part 2

H. Rakha / I. Zohdy / S. Park / D. Krechmer

Weather causes a variety of impacts on the transportation system. While severe winter storms, hurricanes, or flooding can result in major stoppages or evacuations of transportation systems and cost millions of dollars, the day-to-day weather events such as rain, fog, snow, and freezing rain can have a serious impact on the mobility and safety of the transportation system users. The application of IntelliDriveTM technologies, Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS), and weather/traffic data collection and forecasting technologies, presents new opportunities to improve the safety and mobility of the traveling public during adverse weather conditions. Key to these opportunities are: 1) improved knowledge and understanding of how individual drivers behave during adverse weather; and 2) how their decisions collectively impact traffic flow. This, in turn, will support weather-responsive traffic management strategies such as real-time modification of traffic signal and ramp meter timings, automated deicing systems, and variable speed limits. Despite the documented impacts of adverse weather on transportation, understanding of the linkages between inclement weather conditions and traffic flow remain tenuous. This report documents the second part of the FHWA research study involving analysis of the microscopic impacts of adverse weather on traffic flow, but is a third phase of the research effort into the impacts of weather on traffic flow.