A link-based control framework for intelligent intersection management with efficient vehicle movements

Urban traffic suffers from significant disruptions and delays, while current intersection control schemes overlook the possibility of simultaneous crossing of conflicting streams. This is feasible because the time required for conflicting-stream's crossing is notably less than car-following headways. A safely regulated implementation of this necessitates a shift in the control paradigm focus from nodes to links. With scheduled intersection arrivals, we develop a link-based control framework that significantly increases throughputs and minimises delays via reduction or even elimination of queuing. In this scheme, vehicles are controlled by approach-link upstream signals with each green flash allowing one vehicle to proceed to the intersection. With available technologies, static speed advisories achieve smooth trajectories and precise scheduled arrivals for safe crossings. Vehicle arrivals are scheduled by various models including First-In-First-Out, Exit-Time Optimisation, and Exit-Time/Lane Optimisation. Comprehensive simulations demonstrate that the framework creates collision-free intersection scenarios which dramatically improve efficiency across various congestion levels.