Methodology for off-line assessment of advanced traffic signal control systems

Abstract

For the assessment of the effectiveness of major investments in advanced signal control systems prior to their implementation, it is necessary to quantify performance improvement and emission reduction. Owing to the complex nature of a traffic network, reliable estimates cannot be obtained from the use of handbook type of methods. Furthermore, reliance on the experience of other sites may not be justified because of a wide variation in results. This paper describes an off-line optimization-simulation methodology for the study of the effectiveness of advanced traffic control and its application to a real world case study, the central business district of Syracuse, New York. The methodology used incorporates TRAF-NETSIM and TRANSYT. It is well suited for off-line estimation of the measures of effectiveness of advanced signal control systems. Results show that advanced signal control has the potential to cause a highly significant improvement in user service and at the same time emissions can be reduced.Key words: traffic control, congestion, user service, delay, emissions, simulation, optimization.