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Traffic Signal Non-Intrusive Detection Technology Assessment and Comparison

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has been using in-pavement (in-ground) magnetic induction loops to detect vehicles and operate traffic signals for decades as have many other state DOTs. Given the high number of signals in NC there are hundreds of thousands of loops that must be maintained for efficient signal operation and coordination. Many non-intrusive (above-ground or out-of-pavement) vehicle detection systems are compatible with NCDOT's signal controllers and can provide the same operation-critical inputs to the controllers as can magnetic induction loops. Yet they have numerous benefits enumerated herein. The motivation for this study is to assess the costs of non-intrusive vehicle detection systems so that NCDOT can compare their costs and the value of the benefits they provide to the cost and benefits of magnetic induction loops. The goal is to determine how to quantify the various benefits and costs. The ITS and Traffic Signals Section has identified radar and cameras as the most promising non-intrusive detection technologies. The Signals Management Program Plan update now identifies the need to make a dedicated study of the costs, benefits, and return on investment of these technologies. Their goal is to identify specific technologies that meet specifications and to determine whether a targeted or blanket shift to those technologies is the optimal use of Department financial and time resources. The purpose of this research is to assess NCDOT traffic signal detection technology to determine if it should evolve from the current magnetic induction loops to a technology based on radar or cameras (so that signal system performance is maintained or enhanced) and determine the cost of transitioning partially or fully. This study to answer the following questions: (1) “what technology is most well suited to NCDOT's needs?" (2) “what is the cost of the transition?" (3) “what is the return on investment? (4) “how would the transition occur?" This study will explore whether or not used by any division within NC and be realistically and efficiently implemented. The lessons learned from the assessment and analysis will be combined with the experiences of other NC divisions and with knowledge gained from the literature to formulate one or more potential strategies to meet NCDOT needs. In doing so, NCDOT may improve both its overall financial decision making and the management of this critical roadway asset, resulting in overall cost savings and safety enhancement. The proposal articulated below first introduces the context of the research need statement by providing a background. The background describes the nature of the NC traffic signal system. It then provides quantification data. The introduction also addresses the technology of vehicle detection systems and describes those that are most prominent. For each detection technology a table provides examples of manufactured products followed by a brief assessment of each technology. The research needs and objectives are stated next and are followed by a literature review. This introductory literature review illustrates a number of important references that aid in understanding what others have done to address the questions mentioned above. The research tasks are then enumerated in significant detail. The significance of the proposed work (and the execution of the enumerated tasks) is stated. The research products are articulated next and a detailed discussion of the implementation plan is presented. That is followed by a cost benefit analysis which is a major part of the proposed work. Finally, the project schedule is presented in two parts. The first part focuses on major milestones. These are a point in time. In one sense, they act as deadlines. The second schedule articulates the research tasks as activities. These span a longer duration over time.​

    Language

    • English

    Project

    • Status: Active
    • Sponsor Organizations:

      North Carolina Department of Transportation

      Research and Development
      1549 Mail Service Center
      Raleigh, NC  United States  27699-1549
    • Project Managers:

      Kim, Jay

    • Performing Organizations:

      North Carolina State University, Raleigh

      Department of Civil Engineering, Campus Box 7908
      Raleigh, NC  United States  27695-7908
    • Principal Investigators:

      Rasdorf, William

    • Start Date: 20250801
    • Expected Completion Date: 20270731
    • Actual Completion Date: 0

    Subject/Index Terms

    Filing Info

    • Accession Number: 01966078
    • Record Type: Research project
    • Source Agency: North Carolina Department of Transportation
    • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
    • Created Date: Sep 18 2025 12:48AM