Exploring the Potential Application of Ramp Metering Systems to Improve the Performances of Roundabout Corridors

This work is part of broader research concerning some innovative topics such as the study of new dynamic simulation-based approaches to improve traffic efficiency and road safety in Roundabout Corridors. In particular, the present paper examines Ramp Metering systems focusing on their application to roundabouts, to improve their efficiency and safety. Ramp Metering, a traffic management strategy traditionally used on freeway on-ramps to control the rate at which vehicles enter the mainline, has been thorough in various contexts but is relatively novel in its application to roundabouts. The first part of the paper aims to analyse how Ramp Metering can mitigate congestion and enhance overall traffic efficiency and safety in roundabouts. Instead in the second part, a new potential application for Roundabout Corridors is introduced, where coordinated Ramp Metering could optimize traffic flow across multiple roundabouts in succession, leading to improvements throughout the artery. The case study analyzed is the congested Roundabout Corridor located in Pisa, Italy. The corridor was analyzed through the Aimsun simulation software, comparing the current state and a possible future project state with the addition of Ramp Metering systems. Finally, this paper also suggests directions for future research, including the development of further Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) such as smart cameras that could further improve the effectiveness of Ramp Metering on Roundabout Corridors. The article is divided as follows: Introduction, Ramp Metering systems operations, Roundabout Corridors characteristics, Application of Ramp Metering in Roundabouts, New Implementation for Roundabout Corridors, Conclusions and Future Research works.