Illustrative Field Configuration and Evaluation of Traffic-Responsive Control
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 135, Issue 9
Abstract
Traffic-responsive plan selection (TRPS) control is one of the largely underutilized control features in National Electircal Manufacturers Association traffic controllers. This control feature allows the controller to change timing plans in arterials or networks in response to changes in traffic patterns automatically, and can therefore result in better performance of the signal system. However, there is limited number of studies that document the procedure of TRPS configuration. The authors have previously published general guidelines on TRPS system setup and configuration, laying out a comprehensive approach that assumes general traffic patterns, a standardized arterial network, and some generic system detector locations. This paper fills a significant gap in literature by providing an illustrative procedure of actual field implementation of a TRPS system in Mexia, Texas. The paper demonstrates the configuration methodology on an arterial network that does not conform to the standardized guidelines. This implementation resulted in up to 75% reduction in delay and up to 33% increase in the lower arterial speed. In this paper, the authors provide some findings and insights into the TRPS configuration process, highlighting some solutions for potential field problems that the engineer might face when configuring a TRPS control system.
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Acknowledgments
The original guidelines and methodology for TRPS configuration were developed as part of TxDOT Project 0-4421, “A Simplified Approach for Selecting Optimal Traffic Responsive Control Parameters.” The writers would like to recognize the project director, Mr. Henry Wickes, for his support and guidance throughout the duration of this project.
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© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: May 20, 2008
Accepted: Nov 24, 2008
Published online: Mar 5, 2009
Published in print: Sep 2009
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