On the Braess Paradox with Nonlinear Dynamics and Control Theory

Abstract

We show the existence of the Braess paradox for a traffic network with nonlinear dynamics described by the Lighthill-Whitham-Richards model for traffic flow. Furthermore, we show how one can employ control theory to avoid the paradox. The paper offers a general framework applicable to time-independent, uncongested flow on networks. These ideas are illustrated through examples.