Metering Strategies Applied to Grid Networks

This paper describes the adaptation of traffic responsive metering strategies for use on grid networks. The study considers two hypothetical grid networks, a one-way and a two-way system with internal destinations. The grids were simulated using the micro-simulation model NEMIS and were loaded in such a way that gridlock formed around the central square in both cases. The adapted metering strategies were applied within the grid networks and were shown to be effective in preventing gridlock formation. The strategies also showed substantial savings in terms of time spent by vehicles in the system. Section 1 gives a brief introduction, section 2 describes how the strategies were adapted for one- way grid networks and presents results and conclusions. Section 4 considers two-way metering and explains how the early cut-off approach introduced by Shepherd (1993) is required for a successful application of two-way metering.