Type C weaving sections which are typically located near freeway-freeway interchanges have high weaving demand volume, which leads to severe bottlenecks. Ramp metering (RM) has emerged as a popular active traffic management strategy, and ample research has been devoted to develop ramp metering control algorithms. However, the application of RM control algorithms for type C weaving sections has received limited attention. A conventional RM control algorithm focuses on maintaining desired speed on all lanes of the mainlane by controlling the entry volumes, which works well for entry ramps near merge areas or type A weaving sections but not at Type C weaving sections. Therefore, a modified local RM control strategy, which is specifically designed to improve the traffic conditions within type C weaving areas, is proposed. The traffic operation characteristics within a type C weaving section are explored in detail. Asservissement Linéaire d’Entrée Autoroutière (ALINEA) is used to study the proposed RM strategy at three C-type weaving sections located in Los Angeles, California. VISSIM simulation results show the modified ALINEA strategy provides a better level of service than the conventional ALINEA methodology and can improve the traffic operations within the type C weaving area by directly addressing the heavy lane changes. For modified ALINEA strategy, the study recommends the desired occupancy value of 30 percent for the type C weaving section. A demand sensitivity analysis is performed to study and optimize the operation of ramp meter with higher mainlane demands.

CICTP;Type C weaving section;Ramp Metering;Asservissement Linéaire d’Entrée Autoroutière (ALINEA)