Using Digital Twins for Real-Time Evaluation and Execution of Freeway Operations Strategies

Focus Area: Transportation Systems Management & Operations
Submitting On Behalf Of: TRB Committee on Freeway Operations
Urgency: Critical - High Priority
Cost: $250,000 - 499,000
Timeframe: 1 - 2 years
Type of Research: Full Research Project

Date Posted: Jun 5, 2025
Status: Not Funded

Research Description

Traffic Simulation is widely used as an offline tool for analyzing operational strategies for Freeway Management. Advances in computing power are enabling the transformation of traffic simulators from offline applications to real-time operational support tools. By combining access to a wide range of real-time data sources with the ability to replicate ITS infrastructure this next generation of real-time traffic simulation is evolving into Digital Twin for Freeway Networks and Operations. Real time Simulation based Digital Twins generate predictive insights into traffic impacts by running continuous and simultaneous simulations, that provide real time decision support for the optimization of Freeway Management. These new freeway network digital twins help agencies make more informed and data driven operational decisions such as: - Identifying and evaluating incident response strategies - Managing work zones in real time - Analyzing the activation of Active Management Strategies such as Dynamic Junction Control, Hard shoulder Running and others in real time. - Positioning of resources such as Safety Service Patrols and Portable ITS devices. Real-time traffic simulation is relatively new to the traffic simulation space. There is not much information available to help public and private sector staff understand the basics of digital twins, how real time traffic simulation will enhance freeway operations, and how to plan, procure, operate, and evaluate these systems. Furthermore, there is a need to simplify the perceived complexity of real-time simulation and digital twins.

This research will provide an important primer and guidebook to real-time simulation/digital twin for freeway operations. Through this research, we will learn: • How digital can be used by transportation agencies to improve operational decision making. • What is the state of the practice of where simulation-based real time digital twins have been used for transportation operations. • What is needed to successfully plan, procure, develop and operate a digital twin for freeway operations. • What data is needed for to support these models. • How to develop the outcomes and metrics of the digital twin to get the most out of them.

Additional Supporting Information

Results of this research will provide transportation agencies with an introduction to using digital twins for enhancing operations. By accelerating the adoption of this new technology this research will promote more efficient and effective operational decision making, leading to improve mobility, and safety.

Submitted By: Jim Katsafanas; Michael Baker International; 412-269-4635

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