TOWARDS A MICROSCOPIC SIMULATION MODEL FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: A COMPUTER-BASED APPROACH

Traffic congestion is increasing world-wide as a result of increased motorization, urbanization, population growth and changes in population density. Congestion reduces utilization of the transportation infrastructure and increases travel time, air pollution and fuel consumption. Automatic and adaptive control can play a significant corrective role for managing transportation systems in today's highly congested traffic networks. This paper presents the microscopic simulation model development of a major highly congested traffic network of Nicosia, Cyprus. Based on the validated simulation model various traffic control strategies involving the use of intelligent transportation systems will be tested prior to their implementation. Finally, this paper demonstrates a wider spectrum of understanding on the principles of traffic flow theory and how a traffic flow simulation model is developed and utilized for effective transportation planning.