Models and algorithms for dynamic headway control

•A formulation is given for train routing and scheduling with dynamic headway.•A proposed velocity and headway control heuristics are developed.•Simulation results show that using dynamic headway can reduce delay for trains.

We consider the dynamic headway control problem under no-deadlock and no-collision constraints. Different speed limits are applied to different railway segments and junctions according to local geographic conditions. A mathematical programming formulation is given under the consideration of the trains' dynamics. Then a heuristic rule for train movement is proposed to reduce delay and guarantees a safety distance between trains. Simulation experiments are also conducted to show the efficiency of the dynamic headway model together with the proposed heuristics.