Dynamic Traffic Analysis and Travel Demand Management for Center City Bridge Reconstruction

The Philadelphia region possesses extensive traffic data compared to other U.S. metropolitan areas. We used archived datasets spanning a decade — including traditional sensors (loops, cameras) and modern sensors (Bluetooth, GPS, parking) — to understand traveler behavior and non-recurrent traffic patterns.

The study created a regional dynamic network model that simulates millions of trips in the Philadelphia Metropolitan Region and captures travelers' behavior. This model enables prediction of traffic impacts from both planned and unplanned disruptions, supporting real-time operational decisions. We tested the model as a traffic management tool for I-95 closures and Center City bridge closures.