Performance Evaluation of Traffic Actuated Signals

At the present time practicing traffic engineers do not have analytical tools that will enable them to evaluate the effectiveness of traffic actuated signals. Such evaluation is needed in determining the appropriate type of control at intersections that are to be signalized. Thus in practice, selection of the appropriate type of control is usually based on practical considerations. In this paper an analytical methodology is proposed for estimating delays at traffic actuated signals. The results have been tested and calibrated by simulation using the UTCS-1 simulation program. The proposed model requires minimum computational effort and traffic data and can be used for one- or two-way streets, and multiple phase operation. The effects of the various control parameters such as vehicle extension, detector placement, and maximum cycle, upon delay, stops, and fuel comsumption are also presented.