ABSTRACT
In this paper a novel road network flow model is presented, suitable for modelling both motorway and urban roads. A road network is modelled using a directed graph, consisting of typical roads and junctions, with different traffic flow inputs throughout the day. The model is based on a simple idea of balancing out the traffic flow in the network, considering the capacity of an individual road and traffic overflow through to the related junctions. The evolution of traffic flows and queues in a two-way traffic flow is modelled using an iterative simulation method. The model is used to forecast travel delays and evaluate the network performance in normal conditions and when maintenance works are implemented. The paper illustrates how to calculate travel delays on the network throughout the day, how to estimate the effects of road maintenance works and how to use the results to plan maintenance on the network.
