We analyze traffic data from a highway section containing one effective
on-ramp. Based on two criteria, local velocity variation patterns and expansion
(or nonexpansion) of congested regions, three distinct congested traffic states
are identified. These states appear at different levels of the upstream flux
and the on-ramp flux, thereby generating a phase diagram of the congested
traffic flow. Compared to our earliear reports (including cond-mat/9905292)
based on 14 day traffic data, the present paper uses a much larger data set
(107 days) and the analysis is carried in a more systematic way, which leads to
the modification of a part of interpretation in the earlier reports. Observed
traffic states are compared with recent theoretical analyses and both agreeing
and disagreeing features are found.Comment: More extensive and systematic version of earlier reports (including
cond-mat/9905292). A part of interpretation in earlier reports is modified. 6
two-column pages. To appear in Phys. Rev. E (tentatively scheduled for Oct. 1
issue