scholarly journals MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC OPERATIONS AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS IN URBAN AREAS

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Traffic Operations

Simulation Studies of Traffic Operations at Oversaturated, Closely Spaced Signalized Intersections

1998 ◽  
Vol 1646 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carroll J. Messer
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Signal Timing ◽  
Simulation Studies ◽  
Traffic Operations ◽  
Research Focus ◽  
Control Delay ◽  
Congestion Problems ◽  
Initial Research

Traffic congestion continues to have a serious impact on the productivity of the nation’s transportation system. Signalized service interchanges in urban areas serve as a critical connection between freeway and arterial surface street systems. These facilities often experience serious congestion problems because of high traffic demands exceeding capacity and because of their common, closely spaced ramp terminals. Moreover, service interchanges are usually a part of a signalized cross arterial and may also have short spacings to adjacent signalized intersections. Major deficiencies exist in the analysis technology and software tools available for analyzing traffic congestion problems at oversaturated signalized interchanges and closely spaced arterial systems. Results are provided of an investigation into the nature of oversaturated systems and also undersaturated systems that may become congested (oversaturated) because of poor signal timing and deficient spacing between the signalized intersections. Although the initial research focus was on signalized service interchanges based on calibrated NETSIM simulations, the research results are also applicable to closely spaced signalized urban arterials. The research shows that traffic congestion is complex, but it can be characterized and modeled. An upper bound on signal control delay is provided for oversaturated arterial operations.

Validation of Generalized Delay Model for Oversaturated Conditions

1997 ◽  
Vol 1572 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roelof J. Engelbrecht ◽  
Daniel B. Fambro ◽  
Nagui M. Rouphail ◽  
Aladdin A. Barkawi
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Close Agreement ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Delay Model ◽  
Traffic Operations ◽  
Microscopic Simulation ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Traffic Demand ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
The U.S

With today’s ever-increasing traffic demand, more and more signalized intersections are experiencing congestion for longer periods of time. To better quantify oversaturated conditions, it is necessary to accurately estimate oversaturation delay. The generalized delay model, proposed for inclusion in the next update of the U.S. Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), is introduced here. The generalized delay model differs from the model in the 1994 edition of the HCM as it is sensitive to the duration of the analysis period and is not restricted to degrees of saturation less than 1.2. The TRAF-NETSIM microscopic simulation model was used to verify the generalized delay equation for oversaturated conditions. A simulation model was used, because it is extremely difficult to measure oversaturated delay in the field. The study was designed to cover as much of the domain of oversaturated traffic operations as possible. The variability in simulated delays was investigated, and an equation was developed to predict the standard deviation of oversaturated delay estimates. It was found that delays estimated by the proposed generalized delay model are in close agreement with those simulated by TRAF-NETSIM. On average, simulated delays are overestimated slightly, but the error is small compared with actual delays. The proposed generalized delay model is expected to provide a good estimate of actual oversaturation delays that occur in the field.

Extension and Application of Prosser-Dunne Model to Traffic Operation Analysis of Oversaturated, Closely Spaced Signalized Intersections

1998 ◽  
Vol 1646 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carroll J. Messer
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Critical Surface ◽  
Operation Analysis ◽  
Pdx Model ◽  
Computer Simulation Program ◽  
Congestion Problems ◽  
Signalized Arterials

Traffic congestion continues to have a serious impact on the productivity of the nation’s transportation system. Signalized arterials and service interchanges in urban areas serve as critical surface street facilities. These facilities often experience serious congestion problems because of high traffic demands that exceed capacity and also because of their common, closely spaced intersections and ramp terminals. Moreover, service interchanges are usually part of a signalized cross arterial and also may have short spacings to adjacent signalized intersections. Major deficiencies exist in the analysis technology and software tools available for analyzing potential traffic congestion problems at signalized arterials and service interchanges having closely spaced ramp terminals. This paper presents extensions of work originally published by Prosser and Dunne in Australia for analyzing the operational impacts of queue spillback on the capacity and delay of closely spaced signalized intersections. Coding of the described algorithm into FORTRAN was conducted, followed by experimental testing of the model using a calibrated version of the microscopic computer simulation program TRAF-NETSIM. Satisfactory comparisons were obtained between the initial version of the newly developed Prosser-Dunne Extended (PDX) model and NETSIM, but more testing and enhancement of the PDX model are recommended before implementation in existing operational software packages is considered.

Safety-Based Left-Turn Phasing Decisions for Signalized Intersections

2017 ◽  
Vol 2619 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiriakos Amiridis ◽  
Nikiforos Stamatiadis ◽  
Adam Kirk
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
Signal Timing ◽  
Left Turn ◽  
Crash Data ◽  
Intersection Safety ◽  
Traffic Volumes

The efficient and safe movement of traffic at signalized intersections is the primary objective of any signal-phasing and signal-timing plan. Accommodation of left turns is more critical because of the higher need for balancing operations and safety. The objective of this study was to develop models to estimate the safety effects of the use of left-turn phasing schemes. The models were based on data from 200 intersections in urban areas in Kentucky. For each intersection, approaches with a left-turn lane were isolated and considered with their opposing through approach to examine the left-turn–related crashes. This combination of movements was considered to be one of the most dangerous in intersection safety. Hourly traffic volumes and crash data were used in the modeling approach, along with the geometry of the intersection. The models allowed for the determination of the most effective type of left-turn signalization that was based on the specific characteristics of an intersection approach. The accompanying nomographs provide an improvement over existing methods and warrants and allow for a systematic and quick evaluation of the left-turn phase to be selected. The models used the most common variables that were already known during the design phase, and they could be used to determine whether a permitted or protected-only phase would suit the intersection when safety performance was considered.

scholarly journals Development of the U-turn Accident Model at 4-Legged Signalized Intersections in Urban Areas

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-129
Author(s):  
JongHo Kang ◽  
KyungWhan Kim ◽  
ManBok Ha ◽  
SeongMun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Signalized Intersections

Performance of Advance Warning for End of Green System for High-Speed Signalized Intersections

2005 ◽  
Vol 1925 (1) ◽  
pp. 176-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivasa R. Sunkari ◽  
Carroll J. Messer ◽  
Hassan Charara
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Traffic Signal ◽  
Traffic Operations ◽  
Dilemma Zone ◽  
Green Approach ◽  
High Speeds ◽  
Approach Speed ◽  
Green System

A major difficulty with traffic signal operation on high-speed approaches is the dilemma faced by approaching motorists when the downstream signal turns yellow. Should the motorists stop or proceed through the intersection? Crashes that may occur at these intersections result in excessive property damage and personal injury because of the high speeds involved. The Texas Transportation Institute has developed a new system named the Advance Warning for End of Green System (AWEGS) for application at high-speed signalized intersections. Typically, dilemma zone detection strategy is based on a certain approach speed (typically the 85th percentile). AWEGS provides protection for the majority of motorists who are not covered by the dilemma zone treatment. AWEGS provides advance warning to motorists by using signs mounted on the roadside. These signs (Be Prepared To Stop When Flashing) would flash a beacon about 5 to 6 s before the onset of the yellow signal for high-speed approaches. Similar systems have been implemented in Canada and in a few U.S. states that use the trailing-green approach, which results in loss of dilemma zone protection every cycle. AWEGS, however, is almost completely independent of the traffic signal controller, and hence the signal controller would continue to provide the dilemma zone protection for which it was designed. The system was implemented at two sites in Waco and Brenham, Texas. Results of AWEGS implementation illustrated an improvement in traffic operations. AWEGS consistently enhanced the dilemma zone protection at intersections and reduced red light running by about 40%.

Safety Impacts of Access Management Features near Roundabouts

2015 ◽  
Vol 2517 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Alluri ◽  
Albert Gan ◽  
Andres Diaz ◽  
Ruth Steiner
Keyword(s):  
Transportation Networks ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Traffic Operations ◽  
Access Management ◽  
Management Guidelines ◽  
Arterial Streets ◽  
Potential Safety ◽  
Police Reports ◽  
The Impact

Roundabouts can better facilitate U-turns and provide better safety, especially in reducing severe crashes, than can traditional intersections. Roundabouts, instead of traditional signalized intersections, increasingly are being installed on busy arterial streets. Even though roundabouts gradually are becoming integral to regional transportation networks, no literature addresses the safety impacts of access management features such as driveways and median openings along corridors with roundabouts. The existing access management guidelines for signalized intersections are not directly applicable to roundabouts because traffic operations are different at the two types of intersections. In this study the safety impact of access features near roundabouts was investigated. In particular, three potential safety concerns associated with roundabouts were studied in commercial areas in Florida: (a) the impact of driveway corner clearances on roundabout safety, (b) the safety impact of median openings near roundabouts, and (c) the safety at roundabouts that provided direct access to activity centers. Data for the analysis reflected 131 roundabouts in commercial areas in Florida. Police reports for more than 1,000 crashes that occurred in roundabout influence areas between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed carefully to identify crash patterns and causes related to specific roundabout designs, con-figurations, and access features. Recommendations are made for access features near roundabouts in commercial areas.

Safety Performance Functions for Signalized Intersections in Large Urban Areas

2005 ◽  
Vol 1908 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Lyon ◽  
Anwar Haq ◽  
Bhagwant Persaud ◽  
Steven T. Kodama
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Empirical Bayes ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
Signalized Intersection ◽  
Left Turn ◽  
Side Impacts ◽  
Recent Interest ◽  
Safety Performance Functions ◽  
Network Screening

This paper describes the development of safety performance functions (SPFs) for 1,950 urban signalized intersections on the basis of 5 years of collision data in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Because Toronto has one of the largest known, readily accessible, urban signalized intersection databases, it was possible to develop reliable, widely applicable SPFs for different intersection classifications, collision severities, and impact types. Such a comprehensive set of SPFs is not available for urban signalized intersections from data for a single jurisdiction, despite the considerable recent interest in use of these functions for analyses related to network screening, and the development, prioritization, and evaluation of treatments. The application of a straightforward recalibration process requiring relatively little data means that the SPFs calibrated can be used by researchers and practitioners for other jurisdictions for which these functions do not exist and are unlikely to exist for some time. The value of the functions is illustrated in an application to evaluate a topical safety measure—left-turn priority treatment for which existing knowledge is on a shaky foundation. The results of this empirical Bayes evaluation show that this treatment is quite effective for reducing collisions, particularly those involving left-turn side impacts.

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