THE NETWORK SIGNAL DESIGN PROBLEM FOR LONG-RANGE TRAVEL FORECASTING

The network signal design problem (NSDP) seeks the optimal deployment of traffic signals in a growing urban area. This paper is especially concerned with how signals may be optimally deployed over a very long period of time for the purpose of creating realistic networks for travel forecasting. The NSDP is very difficult to solve for long-range problems because of the large number of possible solutions, the high cost of evaluating the merits of just a single solution, and the complexities of how signal delay affects traffic patterns and how traffic patterns affect signal delay. The paper describes the NSDP, introduces a reasonable set of simplifications based on transportation planning and traffic engineering practice, describes experiences with a possible heuristic algorithm for problem solution, and contrasts this method with current planning practice and other research. The long-range algorithm embeds a "strategic" algorithm for finding an optimal deployment for a single time period with constant travel demands. The strategic algorithm draws upon two well-known techniques of combinatorial optimization: a greedy constructive search coupled with a restricted neighborhood search. The strategic algorithm was able to find exact solutions on a small test network with eight stop-controlled intersections. The long-range algorithm is demonstrated on a full-sized planning network with about 380 stop-controlled intersections that could be signalized.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/8674831
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Horowitz, A J
  • Patel, M H
• Publication Date: 2005-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 183-192
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transportation Engineering
  • Volume: 131
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-947X
  • Serial URL: https://ascelibrary.org/journal/jtepbs

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algorithms; Heuristic methods; Network analysis; Networks; Optimization; Traffic forecasting; Traffic signals; Transportation planning; Travel demand; Urban areas
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00987488
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 17 2005 12:00AM