Adaptive control of transportation infrastructure in an urban environment using a real-coded genetic algorithm

Abstract

The management of urban areas requires the development of an effective strategy for the evolution of transportation infrastructure to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and pedestrians. A crucial component of this infrastructure is the traffic light system, which plays a vital role in traffic control and traffic safety. Improving the efficiency of traffic control systems in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) has a significant impact on a city’s economy. As a result, the cost of fuel for road users can be reduced, and their level of social comfort can be improved, among other benefits. This paper proposes a novel approach to optimizing traffic flows in smart cities, based on the combined use of the genetic optimization algorithm and the ITS simulation model we developed. The proposed method aims to enhance the efficiency of existing traffic control systems and achieve optimal traffic flow patterns, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban environment. The optimization algorithm shown here aggregates the objective functions using a simulation model of a real region of the Moscow road network. The model includes intersections, pedestrian crossings and other features that are implemented in the AnyLogic system. The research aims to create a decision-support system for managing urban transport infrastructure. This system will be used to optimize the duration of traffic light phases in order to minimize the time vehicles spend passing through key nodes in the urban road network. It will also optimize pedestrian flow, reducing the impact of traffic on the environment and improving fuel efficiency. By applying this approach, the capacity of the street network can be significantly increased. Additionally, the negative effects of traffic flow on the environment can be reduced by optimizing fuel use and reducing waiting times at intersections managed by traffic lights. The research methodology involves the development of a hybrid evolutionary search algorithm, the creation of a simulation model for transportation and pedestrian flows in the AnyLogic and a series of optimization experiments that demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach when applied to the modeling of complex urban transportation systems.