Traffic Management of Freeway Networks in the Era of Connected and Automated Vehicles

Researchers have studied control techniques for road traffic networks for decades with the primary goal of reducing congestion phenomena and, more broadly, to improve the quality of life for citizens. But, only in recent years, the technological developments in measurement, communication and computing devices have revitalized the research on traffic management with the purpose of revising conventional models and control algorithms in order to fully exploit the potential of new technologies associated with vehicles. In particular, we are witnessing a great revolution in traffic management of road networks since researchers are transitioning from investigating road-based traffic control strategies, relying on fixed actuators and sensors, to developing vehicle-based control strategies that leverage advanced technologies integrated into vehicles, that are becoming more and more connected and automated. In this Chapter we focus on traffic control of freeway networks and we aim to offer a new categorization of the key research studies conducted by the academic community so far, while also identifying the major challenges that need to be tackled. This examination goes beyond just methodological considerations, focusing also on implementation-oriented issues.