Transition Methods in Traffic Signal Control

“Transition” is simplistically defined as the process of switching from one timing plan to the next. Doing so can disrupt traffic flow to varying degrees, with potentially lasting effects. Avoiding or mitigating these effects is of particular interest in the context of more frequent timing plan changes, as may be expected under traffic-responsive or adaptive traffic control. This paper compares several transition methods, for each of several congestion levels, to determine which methods exhibit the least vehicle delay. A policy is introduced for dynamically selecting an effective transition method based on current traffic conditions. This study uses new transition capabilities recently added to the CORSIM simulation, based on current transition functionality of Eagle, Econolite, NextPhase, and Naztec controllers. Results confirmed that Shortway transition is the most effective in general, but also showed that under congested conditions, Add transition performed as well or better. Dwell transition exhibited higher delays. Evaluation of several parameter settings also demonstrated minor benefits to configuring more generous Add constraints and slightly more conservative Subtract constraints.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/1978-18
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Transition+Methods+in+Traffic+Signal+Control&author=S.+Shelby&author=D.+Bullock&author=D.+Gettman&publication_year=2006
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Public/Blurbs/158828.aspx
• Authors:
  • Shelby, Steven G
  • Bullock, Darcy M
  • Gettman, Douglas
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 130-140
• Monograph Title: Traffic Signal Systems and Regional Systems Management 2006
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 1978
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adaptive control; Traffic congestion; Traffic delays; Traffic flow; Traffic signal controllers; Traffic signal timing
• Identifier Terms: CORSIM (Traffic simulation model)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Traffic disruption; Traffic responsive signal control; Transition logic; Vendors
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01031363
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309099889
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 23 2006 7:59AM