The Effects of Speed Limit Mode and Value on Vehicle Emission on Reconstructed and Expanded Expressway Based on VISSIM and MOVES Coupled Simulation

Expressway reconstruction and expansion is gradually becoming the dominant task of transporation infrastructure projects. The speed limit mode and value are significantly associated with the transportation capacity and safety, and may also affect the vehicle emission. To reveal the relationship between vehicle emission and speed limit mode and value, VISSIM and MOVES coupled simulation experiments are carried out. Based on the emission data collected from the simulation experiments, multi-factor ANOVA is conducted. The results show that the main effects of speed limit value, number of lanes and vehicle type on vehicle emission are significant. A linear model is developed for predicting vehicle emission on reconstructed and expanded expressways. The results show that the speed limits of 80 km/h and 100 km/h result in lower vehicle emission than that of 60 km/h, which suggests the former is more sustainable.