MICROSCOPIC SIMULATION MODELING OF MINIMUM THRESHOLDS WARRANTING INTERSECTION SIGNALIZATION

The subject of this paper is use of a microscopic simulation model to estimate the minimum thresholds that require the installation of traffic signals at intersections. A simulation modeling approach was used to evaluate the reasonableness of signal installation Warrants 1 and 2 documented in the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" (MUTCD). The results obtained from the simulation experiment indicate that the MUTCD warrants are conservative for some situations and hence if rigidly applied can result in premature installation of traffic signals. It was deduced from the simulation experiment that the minimum thresholds that require the installation of traffic signals depend on the geometric configuration of the intersection, that is, four-leg versus T-intersections. For example, according to the results obtained from the simulation experiment, for the same traffic conditions, four-leg intersections will require lower thresholds than T-intersections. A reasonable minimum threshold was estimated for T-intersections. This threshold can be used to supplement the MUTCD warrants.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 30-35
  • Monograph Title: Traffic control devices, visibility, and traffic signal systems
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00647264
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309055741
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: May 2 1994 12:00AM