VALIDATION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE UTCS-1S (URBAN TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM) NETWORK SIMULATION MODEL ON AN URBAN ARTERIAL STREET

Following a description of four previous validation projects of the UTCS-1 or UTCS-1s (Urban Traffic Control System) computer simulation model and a critique of each, research is described for evaluating the ability of the UTCS-1s model to reproduce actual observed measures of effectiveness (MOE's) on an urban arterial linear signalized system. Simulated and observed MOE's were compared, including volumes of vehicle trips, stops per vehicle, total stop delay, and stop delay per vehicle. A secondary objective was to develop a methodology for determining the optimal signal timings for a linear signal system using the UTCS-1s model. The UTCS-1s model could not reproduce observed MOE's on the linear network under study nor could it adequately predict expected changes in MOE's between two signal timing schemes. Two areas of further research involve identification of exact conditions for which the model can reproduce field occurrences, and load factors at which the model can be used for predictive capabilities. Appended are descriptions of the UTCS-1s model (including input and output data) and the TRANSYT-6 computer program, a traffic network study tool developed by the Transport and Road Research Laboratory, England; and calculations for original and final signal timings.

• Corporate Authors:

  Purdue University/Indiana State Highway Commission JHRP

  Engineering Experiment Station
  West Lafayette, IN  United States  47907
• Authors:
  • Hillson, B A
• Publication Date: 1979

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 145 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Arterial highways; Measures of effectiveness; Streets; Traffic control; Traffic signal timing; Traffic simulation
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00389092
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: IN/JHRP-79-2 Intrm Rpt., HS-029 576
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 28 1984 12:00AM