Review of traffic management techniques: The future of traffic management in the intelligent transportation system context

In recent years, the increase in the number of vehicles and mobility on demands on urban and intercity roads worldwide, including Türkiye, has accelerated efforts to find solutions to optimize the use of road infrastructure and enhance traffic management. In addition, effective traffic control methods are being investigated to maintain the supply-demand balance in traffic demand and reduce the negative environmental impacts caused by transportation. Accordingly, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) services, applications and activities have significant potential to provide innovative solutions to traffic management needs. This thesis work examines the main topics of "traffic management", "relationship between traffic management and ITS", and "ITS application recommendations for traffic management". Firstly, the technologies used for traffic management, control, enforcement, and data collection are examined with their advantages and disadvantages. Then, ITS solutions for effective traffic management are analyzed. The traffic demand management strategies to prevent traffic congestion are summarized and the effects of ITS on these strategies are evaluated. Based on these examinations, effective traffic management solutions are proposed for Türkiye. In this process, the results of the research and analysis of the literature and best practices from around the world have been used to provide input for the preparation of Türkiye's new National ITS Strategy Document and Action Plan. In addition, this thesis study aims to establish the basic framework of a reference document that can be taken as a reference for the effective and efficient conduct of transportation activities in Türkiye by examining the prominent traffic management applications in the world. At the same time, this thesis is among the initial researches aiming to be a pioneer in the creation of a reference document in the format of a Highway Capacity Manual for Türkiye by comprehensively examining the effects of ITS in the improvement of traffic management. As a result, this study, which was prepared in line with the findings obtained as a result, is a reference for organizations such as organizations and local governments operating in the field of road traffic management, in their studies in the field of traffic management and ITS. It also aims to contribute to the preparation of effective urban and inter-urban transportation plans, the implementation of these plans, improving decision-making processes, and finding solutions by identifying road network needs and problems.