Simulation Analysis on Optimal Merging Control of Connected Vehicles for Minimizing Travel Time

This study examined a cooperative merging control methodology for connected vehicles to optimize traffic flow without considering a traffic priority/non-priority at intersections. A cellular automata microsimulation was constructed to examine the methodology. It was used for simulating the traffic condition and for predicting a future conflict between two vehicles at a T-junction or cross-junction. Optimum vehicle control patterns of the two vehicles for avoiding the conflict and minimizing the total travel time of all vehicles on the road network was examined. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed methodology can reduce total travel time and that the control patterns become more diverse as the traffic volume increases.