Abstract:

We formulate an empirical model of congestion for a series of sequential expressway links where queues may form and spill back from one link to another. Its purpose is to disentangle the dynamic effect that a marginal vehicle, on a given link and at a given time, has on the distribution of travel times experienced there and on connected links. We estimate a dynamic econometric model using unusually complete and accurate data from Danish motorways, which include speed as measured by timed license-plate matches. We use the results to estimate the marginal external cost of adding a vehicle to a link's entry flow, finding that it is highly influenced by the dynamic properties of the system of relationships between travel times and flows.

Document Type:

Appeared or available online: September 6, 2011

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers