Application of AIMSUN Microsimulation and ALINEA Ramp Metering for Congestion Mitigation on Al-Qanat Expressway in Baghdad
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31838/NJAP/08.01.23Keywords:
AIMSUN Microsimulation ALINEA Ramp Metering Traffic Congestion Mitigation Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Expressway Traffic ManagementAbstract
Ramp merging areas on urban expressways often experience significant congestion due to uncontrolled inflow from on-ramps. This study investigates the effectiveness of ramp metering in alleviating traffic congestion at the Al-Rustumea merging section of the Al-Qanat Expressway in Baghdad, Iraq. A detailed microsimulation model was developed using AIMSUN software to replicate existing traffic conditions and test control strategies. The ALINEA (Asservissement Linéaire d’Entrée Autoroutière) algorithm was implemented as a feedback-based ramp metering strategy. Field data, collected via video surveillance over a nine-hour peak period, were used to calibrate and validate the model using GEH statistics, yielding a GEH value of 0.506, indicating high simulation accuracy. Comparative analyses of various metering cycle scenarios revealed substantial improvements in traffic performance. The optimal configuration, with a 10-second green time, enhanced mainline flow by up to 30.5% and increased average speeds across all lanes. These findings demonstrate the potential of localized ramp metering strategies to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on critical freeway segments
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