Effectiveness of Blank-Out Overhead Dynamic Advance Warning Signals at High-Speed Signalized Intersections
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 10
Abstract
Advance warning signals are installed upstream of high-speed signalized intersections to warn motorists of impending signal changes. A new advance warning signal design was tested on an approach to a high-speed signalized intersection in Utah that utilized a dynamic blank-out sign with flashers mounted over the roadway. A state-of-the-art evaluation system was installed to collect continuous, nonintrusive data of vehicle speeds and red-light running events. Data were collected prior to and immediately after installation. Cumulative distributions of speed profile data showed statistically significant results after blank-out overhead dynamic advance warning signal (BODAWS) installation evidenced by an increase in mean speeds of during the green interval, while the system was inactive, followed by a decrease in mean speeds of after activation of the system. The system also reduced red-light running at the site during the time period immediately after BODAWS installation from five violations per million entering vehicles to one violation per million entering vehicles in the northbound direction, a statistically significant change using logistic regression.
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Acknowledgments
The writers of this paper would like to acknowledge Mike Miller of Wavetronix LLC who aided in the analysis as well as UDOT staff for their help in providing and installing the data collection equipment. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the writers, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the information presented herein, and are not necessarily representative of the sponsoring agency.
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© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Mar 24, 2006
Accepted: Feb 7, 2007
Published online: Oct 1, 2007
Published in print: Oct 2007
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