Development of a new microscopic passing maneuver model for two-lane rural roads

Microsimulation is a useful tool to analyze traffic operation. On two-lane highways, the complexity of passing and the interaction with oncoming traffic requires specific models. This study focused on the development of a passing desire, decision and execution model. Results of the observation of 1752 maneuvers on 10 rural roads in Spain were used for this development. The model incorporated the effect of new factors such as available sight distance, delay and remaining travel time until the end of the highway segment. Outputs of the model were compared to observed data: firstly, individual passing maneuvers; secondly, traffic flow, percent followers and number of passing maneuvers in four single passing zones with two different traffic levels. The model was validated in four alternative passing zonesData collection was part of the research project "Desarrollo de modelos de distancias de visibilidad de adelantamiento", funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, with reference number TRA2010-21736. Authors wish to thank Spanish General Directorate of Traffic, Spanish Ministry of Public Works, Valencia Regional Department of Transport and Valencia Province Road Department, for their collaboration in the field study.Llorca Garcia, C.; Moreno Chou, AT.; Lenorzer, A.; Casas, J.; García García, A. (2015). Development of a new microscopic passing maneuver model for two-lane rural roads. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies. 52:157-172. doi:10.1016/j.trc.2014.06.0011571725