21: Simulating Road Traffic Interruptions – Does it Matter What Model We Use?

Computer models are often used for studying the effects of changing conditions in the road network. State-of-the-art macroscopic models generally take some kind of network equilibrium approach and therefore have difficulties in appropriately representing short-term capacity reductions, probably resulting in too low estimates of delays. Recently developed dynamic models may be more promising. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of model choice further, as well as the possibilities to study effects of short-term incidents. Three different computer programs were used: TRACKS, SATURN, and Paramics. The results show that microsimulation is a feasible tool for studying short-term disturbances in the road transportation system.