Impact Assessments of Automated Truck Platooning on Highway Traffic Flow and Adjacent Drivers

The primary goal of this research is to examine the effectiveness of automated truck platooning (ATP) implementation on a major interstate highway carrying freight traffic under various traffic conditions, given managed strategies. The managed lane strategies for ATP would include: (1) ATP-dedicated lane on the left-most lane, (2) ATP-dedicated lane on the right-most lane, (3) ATP-General Purpose Vehicles (GPV) shared lane on the left-most lane; and (4) No dedicated/shared lanes (i.e., free lane selection). Using VISSIM-based traffic simulation modeling approach, the impacts of ATP on traffic flow under the three-lane use strategies are assessed by capturing mobility, safety, and environmental performance measures depending on different Market Penetration Rates (MPRs) of ATP fleets. In addition, scenario-driven investigations will be performed to capture the drivers' safety awareness, given ATP on a highway, by using a high-fidelity driving simulator. Taking into considerations heavy truck traffics generated by Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, New Jersey would be the most desirable state in the U.S where the ATP technology can produce tangible benefits when implemented.