Want to Improve Operations? Get Back to Basics

This article describes how the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) improved traffic operations on a segment of Route 50 by focusing on the basics rather than waiting for funding of expensive expansion or high-technology solutions. This approach involved understanding the operations of the corridor in detail; developing a study team with technical experts offering diverse viewpoints and listening carefully to them; developing clear objectives and measures of effectiveness; using software as a tool to understand the operations, but making decisions based on sound traffic engineering principles; keeping all stakeholders informed and involved; taking appropriate time to implement irrevocable changes; and achieving some initial success by implementing revocable changes, such as traffic signal phasing and timing, and being prepared to change back if the solution did not work in the field. The study team had three goals: reduce the number of hours with congestion during peak periods, eliminate midday congestion, and improve the quality of progression. The first phase of this study focused on timing and phasing changes, including lead-lag phasing at 12 signals in the denser center section of the corridor and using bandwidth maximization philosophy to time signals. Before-and-after travel time runs indicated an improvement in travel time following the implementation of the Phase I changes and customer feedback was positive. Phase II recommendations, which concern spot geometrical improvements, have not yet been implemented. The success of the Phase I improvements can be attributed in large part to the study team's thorough investigation of the operations of the corridor and the willingness to take measured risks.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/614107147
• Authors:
  • Sripathi, Hari K
• Publication Date: 2007-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: pp 24-27
• Serial:
  • ITE Journal
  • Volume: 77
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
  • ISSN: 0162-8178
  • Serial URL: https://www.ite.org/publications/ite-journal/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Highway operations; Peak periods; Progressive traffic signal control; Teams; Traffic congestion; Traffic engineering; Traffic mitigation; Traffic signal phases; Traffic signal timing; Travel time
• Identifier Terms: Virginia Department of Transportation
• Geographic Terms: Virginia
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01049719
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 25 2007 10:34AM