MPC
Research Projects (2001-02)

Identifying Number

MPC-226

Project Title

Adaptive Signal Control for Downtown Salt Lake City, Part II

University

University of Utah

Project Investigator

Peter T. Martin
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801)581-7144
martin@civil.utah.edu

External Project Contact

N/A

Project Objective

Evaluate the benefit of adaptive signal control on a downtown SLC network through modeling. Modeling the impacts of accident and inclement weather on the latest fixed and adaptive control operations. Determine the benefit of adaptive control to fixed time from an aging condition of 5 and 10 years into the future.

Project Abstract

As new fixed timing plans are implemented, they already begin to age and are incapable of accommodating incidents such as accidents, inclement weather or holiday fluctuations. Adaptive signal control reacts to traffic instead of assuming that everyday is the same and attempting to guess the most appropriate average signal timing for the peak periods. Adaptive Signal timing can be thought of as an on-line Transyt or Synchro that optimizing coordinated signal time based on the current traffic demand.

Task Descriptions

• Task 1 – Determine and code an appropriate 20 intersection network in downtown SLC
• Task 2 – Literature search on adaptive signal control techniques
• Task 3 – Model the current fixed time and optimized fixed time condition
• Task 4 – Validate the modeling with travel time field study
• Task 5 – Model with events, incidents and inclement weather with the current fixed time control
• Task 6 – Repeat with adaptive signal control and compare the difference
• Task 7 – Provide a cost/benefit analysis of adaptive signal control over fixed time control

Milestones, Dates

• Starting Date: July 1, 2001
• Project Milestones:
• Ending Date: June 30, 2002

Yearly and Total Budget

$77,000

Student Involvement

Two graduate students; one thesis

Relationship to Other Research Projects

N/A

Technology Transfer Activities

Workshop on findings and demonstration of animation software.

Potential Benefits of the Project

Adaptive signal control has been shown to significantly increase travel times and reduce delays, stops and air pollution in many cities throughout the world. For the first time, the capability exists to model these benefits on a specific network. The U of U Traffic Lab has developed an interface between the CORSIM model and the SCOOT adaptive control system. RT-TRACS algorithm RHODES is also available. The result is a signal system that does not age as all fixed time systems do and is more efficient in daily operations providing additional capacity. This system also requires less maintenance and is ideally suited for the SL Valley with its ATMS communication connection to most signals in the valley and interagency cooperation on signal control.

TRB Keywords

Traffic management, traffic signal systems, adaptive signal control, intelligent transportation systems, advanced traffic management systems