Coordinated Ramp Metering Control based on Scalable Nonlinear Traffic Dynamics Model Discovery in a Large Network

Abstract: This study proposes a coordinated ramp metering control framework in large networks based on scalable nonlinear traffic dynamics model discovery. Existing coordinated ramp metering control methods often require accurate traffic dynamics models in real time, however, for large-scale highway networks, since these models are always nonlinear, they are extremely challenging to obtain. To overcome this limitation, this study utilizes the Sparse Identification of Nonlinear Dynamics with Control (SINDYc) to derive the accurate nonlinear traffic dynamics model from observed data. The discovered dynamics model is then integrated into a Model Predictive Control (MPC) coordinated ramp metering controller, enabling optimized control actions that enhance traffic flow and efficiency. The proposed framework is tested on a large-scale highway network that includes three intersecting highways and eight on-ramps, which outperforms the existing approaches, demonstrating its effectiveness and potential for real-time application. This framework can offer a scalable and robust solution for improving real-time traffic management in complex urban environments.