Development of a Second Generation Detection-Control System for Safer Operation of High-Speed Signalized Intersections

This Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis project improved and evaluated a detection-control system (D-CS) for enhanced traffic safety at high speed signalized intersections. A literature review was conducted to identify potential enhancements to the D-CS control algorithm required to create the "second generation" D-CS algorithm. The needed enhancements included dilemma zone protection based on vehicle size, real-time dilemma zone changes, coordination, and real-time measures of effectiveness reporting. After selecting the most feasible enhancements, the control algorithm was modified and tested in the laboratory. Based on laboratory test results and refinements, a "second generation" D-CS control algorithm was developed capable of providing dilemma zone protection specific to vehicle type using a modified system to prevent max out during "Stage 2" operation. The new algorithm showed improvement over the original algorithm and could provide real time information to engineers about intersection operation. The software was downloaded to intersections where D-CS had been installed during earlier field trials. At the first installation, it was discovered that shortening the D-CS protection zone to improve efficiency (the third installment) caused increased red light violation by vehicles. Therefore, prior to the second field trial, the third enhancement was removed from the enhanced control algorithm. The second trial was more successful as a result, indicating that the enhanced algorithm is successful at improving safety at isolated high-speed intersections.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/archive/studies/idea/finalreports/highway/NCHRP115_Final_Report.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This NCHRP-IDEA investigation was conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M University System, College Station. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Zimmerman, Karl H
• Publication Date: 2007-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 39p
• Serial:
  • NCHRP-IDEA Program Project Final Report
  • Publisher: National Cooperative Highway Research Program
• Publication flags:

  Open Access (libre)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algorithms; Dilemma zone; Field tests; Highway traffic control; Isolated intersections; Laboratory tests; Literature reviews; Real time information; Red light running; Signalized intersections; Technological innovations; Traffic safety
• Identifier Terms: Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) (Program)
• Uncontrolled Terms: High speed signalized intersections
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01047005
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: TRB-NCHRP-115
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Apr 26 2007 3:32PM