Roundabout Versus Traffic Signal Control: Comparative Analysis

The research presented in this paper quantifies the efficiency, energy, and environmental impacts of single-lane and two-lane roundabouts compared to all-way stop control (AWSC), two-way stop control (TWSC), and traffic signal control. Furthermore, the research develops guidelines for the identification of the optimum intersection control as a function of the level of intersection demand, the distribution of demand across various approaches, and the distribution of approach demand between left, through and right turner movements. The research first compares the alternative control strategies using field data collected from two roundabouts in the Blacksburg Area. The field data are then used to validate the INTEGRATION software for the modeling of different intersection control strategies. The field data demonstrate that in both cases roundabouts are the optimum control strategy. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates that single-lane roundabouts are more effective for high through and right turn demand levels and less effective for high left turn demands in comparison to other isolated intersection control strategies. The two-lane roundabout results suggest roundabouts are effective regardless of the demand level and distribution of demand across the various movements.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ANB75 Roundabouts.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Wang, Zhao
  • Boon, Teck Ong
  • Rakha, Hesham
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 92nd Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2013-1-13 to 2013-1-17
• Date: 2013

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 14p
• Monograph Title: TRB 92nd Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Exhaust gases; Roundabouts; Traffic delays; Traffic signal control systems; Traffic simulation
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01474110
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 13-4422
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 28 2013 9:04AM