Traffic optimization

This page deals with traffic optimization as pertaining to street traffic signals.

Need for traffic optimization

Texas Transportation Institute estimates travel delays of 220,000,000 hours all over the U.S. and between 17-55 hours of delay per person (in 2005) [http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/congestion_data/tables/national/table_6.pdf] relating to congestion on the streets. Traffic device optimization hence becomes a significant aspect of operations.

Techniques

Several techniques exist to reduce delay of traffic. Generally the algorithms attempt to reduce delays (user time), stops, emissions, or some other measure of effectiveness. Many optimization software are geared towards pretimed coordinated systems.

Real time traffic control

Several systems are capable of monitoring the traffic arrivals and adjusting timings based on the detected inputs. Traffic Detectors may range from Metal Detectors to Detectors that use Image Detection. Metal detectors are the most popular in use. Image detection devices exhibit numerous problems including degradation during bad weather and lighting.

Traffic actuated signal systems use detectors to adjust timing for:
# Only the main street - semi-actuated system
# Both main and cross streets - fully-actuated system.

See also

* Intelligent Traffic Systems

References