RECENT ADVANCES IN KINEMATIC WAVE THEORY OF TRAFFIC FLOWS: VARIATIONAL FORMULATION AND NETWORK EXTENSION

Abstract

This paper summarizes recent advances in the kinematic wave (KW) theory of traffic flows. First, we review the variational formulation of kinematic waves and its application together with pointing out the limitations of its conventional analysis methods. Second, the KW theories for the network traffic are introduced. Specifically, we review and summarize the methods/conditions to determine boundary flows of links at multi-lane roads and intersections.