MPC
Research Projects (2004-05)

Identifying Number

MPC-251

Project Title

Adaptive Signal Control IV

University

University of Utah

Project Investigator

Dr. Peter T. Martin
Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Utah

External Project Contact

Stan Burns
Utah Department of Transportation
sburns@utah.gov

Project Objective

Approximately 60 to 70 percent of traffic delay is caused by non-reoccurring events such as traffic incidents. ATIS helps drivers to make informed decisions concerning their travel routes to avoid congestion and delay. Equipped with information regarding delay and alternate routes, drivers can dynamically react and thereby optimize the road network and mitigate congestion caused by non-reoccurring events.

Project Abstract

The Utah Department of Transportation is commissioning its first Adaptive Signal Control system in the state. This system will control a set of traffic signal systems adjusting the signal timings on the basis of traffic measurements that are provided in real time. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of the system in terms of traffic efficiency and the institutional implications of the innovation.

Task Descriptions

1. Draft, submit, and acquire approval of a detailed scope.
2. Establish a working relationship with the traffic management technical subcommittee
3. Design an ATIS evaluation. Specify: what type of traffic data to collect; data collection procedures and technologies (manual, video, GPS, etc.); data collection time periods (am and pm peaks, off-peak, weekends, special events); data collection sample sizes; data reduction and analysis (formulas, statistical tests, etc.); questionnaires for interviews with drivers
4. Draft, submit, and acquire approval of a detailed evaluation design
5. Analyze data and produce results
6. Meet with UDOT's TAC and present findings
7. Deliver report

Milestones, Dates

Starting Date: November 1, 2004
Ending Date: June 30, 2005

Yearly and Total Budget

$69,532

Student Involvement

Twelve graduate research assistants

Relationship to Other Research Projects

This project is a continuation of MPC 226 and MPC 244.

Technology Transfer Activities

Data sharing; database development

Potential Benefits of the Project

The project will show traffic engineers and the community at large the savings in delay that are associated with the installation of advanced traffic adaptive signal control systems.

TRB Keywords

Traffic operations; traffic control; driver behavior; automated enforcement