Analytical Techniques for Evaluating the Implementation of Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Systems

AbstractAdaptive traffic signal control (ATCS) reduces congestion, improves travel time reliability, and prolongs the effectiveness of traffic signal timing. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate different data sources and analysis techniques to compare the arterial performance for before, during, and after ATCS implementation. This paper presents several analyses using field-collected travel time data and simulation modeling techniques. The paper demonstrates that different sources of travel time data can be used to characterize the corridor performance under ATCS. Although corridor travel time is the traditional way to assess the improvements from the newer technologies, other measures need to be looked at for objective evaluation of the new systems. It is recommended to use multiple evaluation techniques for better decision making as every technique has its own limitations. The methodologies discussed will help transportation engineers, planners, and policymakers to understand what analysis can be conducted at any point of an ATCS deployment to evaluate the system performance. As policies and timings are adjusted, this feedback is an effective way to continuously monitor the ATCS and quantify benefits.