According to the distribution characteristics of traffic congestion in time and space, a measure index system of urban traffic congestion is set up based on the spatial and temporal distribution. Based on the analysis of the main characteristics of traffic congestion and the generation process of traffic congestion, the measure model for urban traffic congestion is constructed by the value function. Moreover, based on the measure values of traffic congestion in urban road networks with defined different levels, a method to prevent and control traffic congestion is designed. The application results confirm that the proposed method is feasible in comprehensive measures for urban traffic congestion and they are consistent with the results of other methods. The measuring results can therefore reflect the actual situation. The comprehensive measure model is scientific and the process is simple, and it has wide application prospects and practical value.
