Effect of Mixed Traffic Platooning by Commercial Vehicle Types on Traffic Flow Characteristics of Highways

The existence of different types Commercial Vehicles (CVs) in the shared roadway affects traffic flow characteristics differently from other vehicles. Owing to uncertain placement and movement these CVs both longitudinal lateral directions, opportunities for lane changing overtaking by vehicles with lower maneuverability decrease, resulting formation platoons. study's primary aim is assess effect mixed platoons formed three classes on highway speed, flow, density under two regimes (regimes A B). In this study, regime represents non-platooning condition, B platooning condition. Bi-directional data was collected sections India using an Infra-Red sensor-based device. critical leading time headway determined (platoon leaders) based mean absolute relative speed speed-flow-density plots are established macroscopic fundamental diagrams quantify impacts characteristics. study findings reveal that at capacity, capacity decreased significantly due CVs' influence general mix during conditions. However, found be relatively higher Heavy Vehicle operation as a platoon leader compared Medium Light leader.