From Functional Requirements to Validation: Development of a BADASS Simulation-Based Optimization of Preempted Signal Systems

Emergency vehicles (EVs) are provided priority at traffic signals via emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) mechanisms. EVP interrupts the normal operation of traffic signals along the EV path, one at a time, causing each intersection to fall out of coordination. This procedure can cause major increase in overall traffic delay. New GPS-based preemption systems are currently emerging and being piloted at several locations in the US. There is a need to study EVP issues to determine: (1) the conditions under which one GPS-systems are recommended for use and (2) the optimal configuration of the selected system. There is currently no existing simulation/optimization software that can meet this need. Starting from the functional requirements, the research team developed a Broad Area-wide & Distance-wise Agent-based Signal-optimization System (BADASS) to assist engineers in selecting and optimizing signal timing in conjunction with optimized EVP system parameters. BADASS produces total delay time and reliability-related output (histograms of travel times). In addition, the research team developed a dynamic model based on the BADASS output using experimental design and regression models and showed potential savings in travel time of about 15%. Saving in delay can be much higher, depending on the pre-existing timing plans and PE configuration parameters.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB25 Standing Committee on Traffic Signal Systems.
• Authors:
  • Abbas, Montasir M
  • Wang, Qichao
  • McGhee, Catherine C
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2018-1-7 to 2018-1-11
• Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 19p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Emergency vehicles; Global Positioning System; Optimization; Signalized intersections; Traffic delays; Traffic signal control systems; Traffic signal cycle; Traffic signal preemption; Traffic simulation; Travel time
• Identifier Terms: BADASS (Broad Area-wide & Distance-wise Agent-based Signal-optimization System)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01660948
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 18-05826
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 22 2018 9:18AM