STATISTICAL METHODS FOR OPTIMALLY LOCATING AUTOMATIC TRAFFIC RECORDERS

This report presents computer-based statistical methods for the optimal placement of Automatic Traffic Recorders (ATRs). The goal of each method is to locate a set of ATRs so as to improve the overall efficiency and accuracy of Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) estimates. The precise estimation of AADTs is essential because of the important role they play in many highway design, maintenance and safety decisions. The algorithms developed in this project include an exchange algorithm and a two-stage sampling algorithm. In the rank-1 exchange algorithm, ATR sites are sequentially added to and deleted from the design. It generates highly efficient designs (i.e., sets of ATR sites) without exhaustively searching through all possible designs. In the two-stage sampling approach, similar sites are statistically clustered, then approximate design techniques are used to calculate the optimal weight for each cluster. Based on these optimal weights, a random sample of sites is selected from within each cluster. The speed of this two-stage sampling algorithm makes it an ideal approach for large-scale problems. Using traffic data provided by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, it is demonstrated empirically that both algorithms are substantially better in terms of average variance of prediction than simple random sampling.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=296
• Corporate Authors:

  Mountain-Plains Consortium

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108
• Authors:
  • Cheng, C
  • Nachtsheim, C J
  • Benson, P G
• Publication Date: 1992-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 132 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accuracy; Algorithms; Annual average daily traffic; Automation; Computer models; Economic efficiency; Estimates; Location; Statistical analysis; Traffic measurement
• Uncontrolled Terms: Automatic traffic recorders; Efficiency
• Old TRIS Terms: Placement
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Economics; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00638830
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MPC Rept No. 92-14
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Nov 19 1993 12:00AM