Traffic Light Optimization Based on Modified Webster Function

Abstract

Intersection traffic lights are a basic means of ensuring the normal operation of road traffic. A good signal timing scheme is essential for improving traffic congestion. To obtain the signal timing scheme of the designated intersection, the method proposed in this article is based on a modified Webster function. The method uses the signal cycle and proportion of green light duration as independent variables to establish the corresponding intersection vehicle delay function. This function is converted from a multiobjective optimization to a single-objective optimization formulation; a modified genetic algorithm is then used to find the optimal solution to this function. The experimental results show that the timing scheme optimized by the improved genetic algorithm can reduce the intersection delay by nearly 15.64%. The proposed traffic signal timing based on the modified Webster function will be of value as an important reference for the optimization of traffic lights at urban intersections.