A-Priori Travel Time Predictor for Long Term Roadworks on Motorways

The first step (Chapter 2) is a comprehensive literature review of the relevant areas of interest for this research. A general overview of the current workings of roadworks in the Netherlands is of interest, as this gives insight into the work field in relation to roadworks and communication with road-users at present. Furthermore a general overview of traffic flow theory, especially in relation to travel times and the underlying components that influence it and finally a look at current models and modelling approaches for travel time predicting and the estimation of its underlying components, are considered. The specific approach and methodology used in the research and the development of the model are then explained in Chapter 3. This includes the main decisions concerning the set-up of the model, the main data sources used to develop and evaluate the model, and the final evaluation method. Following this an analysis of factors that influence one of the main travel time components: the capacity, is performed which results in a relation between these factors and the capacity. Similarly the other main components affecting travel time are analysed and a modelling approach is proposed. This is performed in Chapter 4. Thereafter the development of the model using the previously developed approach (Chapter 5) is explained. The model makes use of predefined parameters for roadworks configurations and historical traffic flow data as input, among others, to determine delays and consequently the travel times along the corresponding motorway corridor. The calibration of the model is further discussed in this phase of research. Finally the model is evaluated by means of testing with independent roadworks data other than with which the model was developed (Chapter 6). The results give a good indication of the accuracy and workings of the model. An analysis is then given of the possible applications for the model (Chapter 7). Following this the main conclusions and recommendations are given including the final Outcome to the research questions posed (Chapters 8).