Developing Microscopic Integrated Freeway-Toll Plaza Model

Since a built-in toll plaza model is not available for use with any of the widely used microsimulation models, almost every researcher independently develops a model using some programming language (VB, Java etc.) and customizes it for his or her study. Most of these models are queuing theory based input-output models, which lack the element of traffic flow theory. This paper presents a simple approach to develop a microscopic toll plaza model by customizing standard tools available in PARAMICS. A model for Holland East mainline plaza in Orlando, Florida has been developed and successfully calibrated for volume and delay values for morning peak-hour. The procedure is generic in nature, and can be used to develop a model for any other toll plaza with appropriate modifications. Copyright ASCE 2006