Book Description

Most current traffic signal systems are operated using a very archaic traffic-detection simple binary logic (vehicle presence/non presence information). The logic was originally developed to provide input for old electro-mechanical controllers that were developed in the early 1920s. It is currently in urgent need to improve the performance of traffic control devices. With the development of automatic controls, sensors, and devices, it is now possible to design advanced intersection control systems that can fully utilize advanced technologies of detection and communication as well as the high quality data acquired by such technologies. One example of such systems is Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII). VII links vehicles, drivers, and surrounding infrastructure (which includes roadways, traffic controls, etc.) to improve the efficiency of traffic systems and promote transportation safety. It promises to "bridge the gap" between the infrastructure and individual drivers. The purpose of this research is to 1. Investigate the potential to utilize VII data to characterize system operation and estimate system-wide measure of performance, and 2. Develop advanced signal timing procedures that can capitalize on VII data and enhance the operations of traffic signal system operations. Three advanced traffic signal control systems are developed and tested in this research. The advantages of such systems were tested in terms of time savings, the environment, and system improvements.