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https://www.nationalacademies.org/trb/events

Field Deployment and Testing of Enhanced Fixed- and Actuated-Traffic Signal Control Systems

This research conducts field deployment and testing of enhanced traffic signal control systems using the Laguna-Du-Rakha formulation to optimize signal timings for reduced vehicle delays and fuel consumption at signalized intersections. Building on previous work demonstrating that traditional Webster formulation methods produce cycle lengths nearly three times longer than optimal under congested conditions, the study implements and validates improved signal timing approaches through real-world field testing in collaboration with Virginia Department of Transportation. The methodology involves identifying candidate intersections in the Blacksburg and Salem area, with primary focus on the Beamer Way and Southgate Drive intersection equipped with LiDAR surveillance instrumentation tracking objects within 150 meters. Optimized cycle lengths will be calculated using multi-objective optimization balancing delay minimization and fuel consumption reduction through adjustable weighting factors. Field implementation includes one-week deployment of optimized signal timing plans with LiDAR-based trajectory data collection for performance quantification including queue lengths, vehicle delays, stops, and fuel consumption measurements. VISSIM microsimulation modeling creates digital twins of selected intersections for validation against field data and sensitivity testing across various traffic demand levels and cycle length weight combinations, enabling assessment beyond observed field conditions and identification of optimal control strategies.