Two-layer adaptive signal control framework for large-scale networks

In this paper, the effectiveness of network-wide parallel application of perimeter control (PC) and Max Pressure (MP) strategies embedded in a two-layer control framework is assessed in a dynamic traffic simulation environment. With the aim of reducing MP implementation cost without significant performance loss, partial MP deployment to critical node subsets is examined, and a node importance assessment method is proposed. Different configurations of the two-layer framework for a real large-scale network are tested in moderate and highly congested conditions. Results show that: (i) combined control of MP and PC outperforms individual MP/PC application in both demand scenarios tested; (ii) MP control in critical node sets leads to similar or even better performance compared to full-network implementation, thus allowing for significant cost reduction.