Towards a realistic microscopic traffic simulation at an unsignalised intersection

Abstract

In this paper we propose a microscopic traffic flow model to simulate the flow at an unsignalised intersection. The model is built on fine grid cellular automata (CA), and is able to simulate actual traffic flow. Several important novel features are employed in our model. Firstly, the average car-following headway (=distance /velocity) 1.5 seconds has been observed in local urban networks and this 1.5-second rule is built to our model. Secondly, vehicle movement on urban streets is simulated, based on the assumption of velocity following a Gaussian (normal) distribution and is calibrated by field data. Thirdly, driver behaviour is modelled, using a truncated Gaussian distribution. Finally, the limited priority mechanism is involved in this paper. The model has been validated against real data for its several components. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.