Optimization of Actuated Traffic Signal Plans Using a Mesoscopic Traffic Simulation
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems
Volume 146, Issue 6
Abstract
Traffic signal plan designs become more complex with developments in the fields of sensing and communication and the introduction of features, such as transit priority or pedestrian actuation. Traffic signal optimization programs were developed mostly for the basic parameters of pretimed traffic signal plans using analytical or simple traffic models. Simulation-based optimization for other parameters related to actuated traffic signals has been very limited due to the high computational time associated with detailed traffic simulation models. This paper presents the overall structure and the various components of a simulation-based system to optimize the parameters of complex actuated traffic signal plans. The system framework incorporates a connection between a mesoscopic traffic simulation, MESCOP, traffic signal control, and a genetic algorithm as the optimization method. The integrated system is demonstrated with applications to a fully actuated signalized intersections with vehicle and pedestrian actuations and transit priority in Haifa, Israel.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request. These include the control plans, intersection designs, traffic flow data, and optimization codes.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank the anonymous referees and the editor for many useful comments and suggestions. All remaining errors are our own. This research was partially funded by a grant from the Institute for Transportation Innovation at Tel Aviv University.
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Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems
Volume 146 • Issue 6 • June 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 22, 2019
Accepted: Dec 4, 2019
Published online: Mar 31, 2020
Published in print: Jun 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Aug 31, 2020
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