SHORT-TERM PERIODIC VARIATIONS IN TRAFFIC FLOW OTHER THAN THOSE INDUCED BY TRAFFIC CONTROL

The study described in this paper is concerned with whether the traffic flow along a road exhibits periodic fluctuations of period from about 1 minute to 30 minutes independently of variations caused by traffic control. Measurements of traffic flow were made on two rural roads at points far removed from any traffic signals. Both sets of measurements consist of the traffic flow in one direction in vehicles per minute during successive one minute intervals throughout the day. Standard autocorrelation techniques are used to determine whether there are, in these series of measurements, any statistically significant periodic variations having periods of less than about half an hour. The results show no evidence of any such periodic variations.

• Corporate Authors:

  Newcastle-Upon-Tyne University, England

  Department of Civil Engineering
  Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Northumberland,   England 
• Authors:
  • Jenkins, I A
  • Ferguson, J A
• Publication Date: 1974-12

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: 8 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Autocorrelation; Rural highways; Traffic control; Traffic flow; Traffic measurement; Travel patterns
• Uncontrolled Terms: Traffic patterns
• Old TRIS Terms: Periodic variations
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00096325
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Working Paper No. 7
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 1975 12:00AM