Adding signals to coordinated traffic signal systems.

PDFTech ReportFHWA/TX-84/23+260-1FResearch Study 3-18-80-260Traffic signal control systemsSignalizationTraffic signalsTraffic simulationTexasTexas. Department of Highways and Public Transportation. Transportation Planning DivisionMachemehl, Randy B.Lee, Clyde E.University of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation ResearchTexas. Department of Highways and Public Transportation. Transportation Planning DivisionUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThe purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of adding orremoving traffic signals within a coordinated, signal-controlled street network.The report includes a discussion of coordinated signal systems; arterial streetnetwork configurations; optimization of signal settings for progressive movements;simulation of traffic on street networks with specified off-peak vehicular volumesand different intersection control strategies; and analyses of statistical dataresulting from the simulation of traffic on several representative street networks.A signal timing optimization program, PASSER II, was used to determine thesignal timing patterns for each of twelve representative street networks that wereoperated under different control strategies. The computer program called NETSIMwas then used to simulate traffic on the networks and produce statistics concerningthe relative effectiveness of the various control schemes o A total of 98 differentnetwork cases were simulated by NETSIM. i J The best practicable estimate of the effects of altering the number ofsignalized intersections in a network can be made by applying computer optimizationand simulation techniques directly to the spec1f1c before and after s1tuat10nsunder consideration. This requires the use of computers and experienced personnel.Approximate methods for estimating these effects without using a computer aredescribed in this report