Surface Infrastructure Improvement for Efficient Long Combination Vehicles and Truck Platooning Operation

Abstract

The growing demand for freight transportation has led to increased congestion on urban arterial roads, requiring innovative solutions such as long combination vehicles (LCVs) and heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) platooning. However, these approaches face challenges at intersections due to limited green time and insufficient lane storage for left turns.

This study examines the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to enhance truck travel time, specifically through Freight Signal Priority (FSP) and dedicated truck left-turn lanes (DTLL). A methodology was developed to identify intersections requiring truck priority measures. Using PTV VISSIM, a micro-simulation model was created for a 19.2 km corridor with 32 signalized intersections. Freight vehicle composition included 5% LCVs and single-unit trucks. Eight models were used for comparative analysis. Model 1 represents the 'do-nothing' scenario that includes the assumption of 5% LCVs, Model 2 applies the FSP scenario, Model 3 includes the DTLL scenario, and Model 4 combines Models 2 (FSP) and 3 (DTLL). Model 5 assessed a 5% penetration rate of HCV Platooning under existing conditions. Model 6 adds FSP to Model 5, Model 7 adds DTLL to Model 5, and Model 8 combines Models 6 (FSP) and 7 (DTLL).

The study found that implementing both FSP and DTLL together yields better results than applying each individually. This integrated approach demonstrated improvements in efficiency, traffic flow, and sustainability by reducing travel time and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all vehicles.