Performance Evaluation of Complex Intersections by Micro-simulation

Abstract

The increase of motorization index, the spatial redistribution of land use functions, the jobs crisis, the degradation of level of service provided by rail mode occurred in Romania in the last two decades have led to increased demand for road transport mode. In the large cities and their suburban areas the phenomenon of congestion occurs, as a consequence of the fact that weren’t major interventions in order to increase the transport capacity. An essential stage in the transport planning process is the diagnosis of current situation, because based on its results is possible to propose solutions for improving traffic conditions. To analyze complex intersections or groups of junctions, the measured traffic volumes are insufficient and traffic micro-simulation is required. Micro-simulation takes into account the physical characteristics of the vehicle, the traffic rules and psychological behavior of the driver, achieving a stochastic and dynamic representation of each vehicle in the traffic flow. In this paper is made an analysis of performances offered by the road intersection located in the suburban area of Pitesti City, situated at the junction of three main networks (a highway, two national roads and the urban network), by applying the micro-simulation of traffic flows.