A queueing model of traffic to balance costs and emissions -

Abstract

In this thesis, a highway system is analyzed based on established queueing theory models of traffic systems. Various model parameters are estimated from studies that utilize real data. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as the throughput, the mean number of vehicles and average waiting time are calculated. We solve for the optimal number of lanes which minimizes the joint costs of building new roads and the costs of delays due to traffic. The model also incorporates the costs resulting from the environmental impact, in terms of carbon emissions, of road construction and traffic congestion. A sensitivity analysis is also presented, illustrating the most influential environmental parameters.