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Evaluating Off‐Peak Traffic Signal Control Strategies
Author(s) -
Parker Mark,
Pursula Matti,
Egyháziová Erika
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
computer‐aided civil and infrastructure engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.773
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1467-8667
pISSN - 1093-9687
DOI - 10.1111/0885-9507.00156
Subject(s) - flashing , signal (programming language) , fuel efficiency , automotive engineering , signal timing , interface (matter) , traffic signal , simulation , computer science , controller (irrigation) , control (management) , software , field (mathematics) , real time computing , engineering , mathematics , agronomy , materials science , bubble , maximum bubble pressure method , artificial intelligence , parallel computing , pure mathematics , metallurgy , biology , programming language
This article discusses the evaluation of flashing yellow as an off‐peak traffic signal control strategy by establishing an interface between a real‐time traffic simulation software HUTSIM (Helsinki University of Technology Simulation Model) and a standard NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) traffic signal controller. The analysis was performed as part of research dealing with evaluation of different off‐peak traffic signal operation strategies and their relative impacts on delay, fuel consumption, vehicle emissions, and driver safety. Because of its widespread use, the main emphasis was on the flashing yellow signal control. Delay field study was performed to obtain and analyze real‐world data and compare the efficiency of flashing yellow and fixed time control strategies. To widen the research effort and eliminate inaccuracies due to certain assumptions made during the field study, computer simulation was chosen as an effective tool for comparison of different control strategies. Four different strategies were evaluated: fixed time, fully and semiactuated, and flashing yellow. Flashing yellow was found to be the most efficient of the signal strategies. The impact of this type of off‐peak signal control on driver safety also was studied, and a summary of results is presented.