Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology and Pázmány ITK have developed an innovative model that can significantly improve traffic optimization methods. This research integrates the fields of transportation science, mathematics, and chemistry to offer a new approach to understanding and managing traffic flow.

The researchers discovered that the modeling of traffic flow and chemical reactions is based on mathematically similar principles. Mathematical models originally developed for studying reactions between molecules can now be applied to describe changes in vehicle density within transportation networks.

The new model can aid in more accurately understanding the behavior of traffic networks and managing congestion more effectively. Real-world data from highways were collected to enhance the accuracy of the models. The results enable the development of more precise congestion models and more reliable traffic forecasting tools, which can reduce congestion time through measures such as dynamic speed limit implementation.

Before final implementation, legal and regulatory issues, which may vary by country, must also be addressed. The goal is to prepare the practical application of the models, considering the different legal frameworks.

The research has been ongoing since 2021, with György Lipták, Mihály Kovács, and Gábor Szederkényi participating in the project from ITK.

The researchers recently published a joint paper in “Transportation Research, Part C: Emerging Technologies”, titled “The Traffic Reaction Model: A Kinetic Compartmental Approach to Road Traffic Modeling.” The paper can be accessed HERE