A reserve capacity model of optimal signal control with user-equilibrium route choice

In this paper, we combine the concept of reserve capacity with the continuous equilibrium network design problem. An integrated method is used to maximize the reserve capacity of a road network. On the one hand we try to find the maximum possible increase in traffic demand by setting traffic signals at individual intersections. On the other hand, we increase the road capacity in order to increase the whole capacity of a road network. A bilevel programming model and heuristic solution algorithm based on sensitivity analysis are proposed to model the reserve capacity problem of optimal signal control with user-equilibrium route choice. The applications of the model and its algorithm are illustrated with two numerical examples.