Free Flow Speed Estimation Methodology for Performance Measures

Free flow speed (FFS) is used as an input for many key performance measures, such as travel time reliability and congestion measures for interstates and arterials. While traffic practitioners generally agree on the idea that FFS should be estimated under good weather conditions and without incidents, some studies suggest that driver behavior is always in a compromised status under the influence of both internal and external conditions. FFS calculated using different methods can yield varied, inconsistent results. In response to VDOT operational needs, it is imperative to develop consistent free flow speed estimation methods for performance measures. In response, this project will develop a set of methodologies to (1) compare commonly available FFS estimation methods on interstates, (2) evaluate how FFS estimates affect performance measurements on the interstate network, and (3) explore the usage of probe data for arterial FFS estimation.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $202589
• Contract Numbers:

  122669

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Virginia Transportation Research Council

  530 Edgemont Road
  Charlottesville, VA  United States  22903
• Performing Organizations:

  Virginia Transportation Research Council

  530 Edgemont Road
  Charlottesville, VA  United States  22903
• Principal Investigators:

  Lan, Chien-Lun

  Zhao, Mo

• Start Date: 20221201
• Expected Completion Date: 20241130
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Drivers; Estimation theory; Floating car data; Free flow speeds; Methodology; Performance measurement; Travel time reliability
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01866743
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Virginia Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 122669
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Dec 6 2022 9:55AM