Vulnerability Analysis of Highway Traffic Networks Using Origin-destination Tollgate Data

The existing research on analyzing the vulnerability of road networks is largely dependent on the assumption of a known traffic model in the simulations. In this paper, we present a new approach for quantitatively evaluating the vulnerability of highway networks based on real-world highway tollgate data that reflect the highway's characteristics, such as structural betweenness and traffic movements. Specifically, OD (origin-destination) tollgate data are collected across three major highway networks in China (Beijing city and Shanxi and Anhui Provinces) for three months. The case study examines the vulnerability of highway traffic networks from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. Moreover, a more indepth study of vulnerability is conducted from residential and transportation perspectives. Our evaluation results will serve as guidelines for improving the toll highway system. i.e., to help the road administration identify the critical sections (that are highly vulnerable to congestion) and take early maintenance actions for avoiding monetary/time costs caused by disruptions.National Natural Science Foundation of China [61473006]CPCI-S(ISTP)1957-196