A lattice model accounting for multi-lane traffic system

To investigate the traffic dynamics and emergence of congestion in a traffic network, a multi-lane lattice hydrodynamic model is developed and analyzed for unidirectional traffic system incorporating the optimal current difference (OCD) effect. Analytically, the applicability of the model is investigated against small perturbation via linear stability analysis. It is demonstrated that considering the multi-lane highways with OCD helps in improving traffic stability. Nonlinear analysis is performed to derive the mKdV equation and traffic characteristics are obtained in terms of density waves. Numerical tests are conducted and found consistent with theoretical results. It is found that the lane changing in a multi-lane model plays a significant role in enhancing the stability region and stabilize the traffic flow. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.