Adaptive Signal Timing Comparison Between the InSync and QuicTrac Adaptive Signal Systems Installed in Colorado

PDFTech ReportCDOT-2012-692.12Control systemsAdaptive controlTraffic flowTraffic congestionTraffic signal timingOhioColorado. DTD Applied Research and Innovation BranchSprague, DavidAtkins (Firm)Colorado. Dept. of Transportation. Research BranchUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationNTL-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLS-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLSNTL-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLS-Traffic Control DevicesNTL-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLS-Traffic FlowNTL-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLS-CongestionUS Transportation CollectionThe FHWA\ue2\u20ac\u2122s Every Day Counts (EDC) initiative identifies adaptive signal control as a tool for local agencies to deployinnovation. In an effort to achieve the goals of the EDC initiative, the traffic sections of the Colorado Department ofTransportation (CDOT), in Region 2 and 4 and the City of Greeley implemented adaptive traffic signal control systems on10th Street (US 34 Business) in Greeley and US 24 in Woodland Park. This new technology uses real-time data collectedby system detectors to optimize signal timing for each intersection in the corridor. The use of real-time data means thatsignal timing along the corridor changes to accommodate the traffic patterns at any given time of the day.There are many different adaptive traffic signal control systems of which two, InSync and QuicTrac, were selected forimplementation in Colorado. The InSync adaptive signal control system, produced and supplied by Rhythm Engineering,was installed in Greeley on 10th Street and the QuicTrac adaptive signal control system, produced and supplied by McCain,Inc., was installed on US 24 in Woodland Park. The evaluation of the performance of these systems on their distinctcorridors was documented in separate reports and provided to the agencies and stakeholders. This report focuses on a moredirect comparison between the two systems including costs for installation, maintenance, and expected benefits on a perintersection basis. The study is not intended to recommend a preferred system, but present the results for each system andprovide data allowing decision makers to make an informed decision when selecting an adaptive system.ImplementationProper application of adaptive signal control can reduce congestion, smooth flows, improve travel times, maximize thebenefits of signal timing, and potentially reduce crashes