Traffic Operations and Management

How and When Cordon Metering Can Reduce Travel Times

Doig, Jean
Daganzo, Carlos F.
Cassidy, Michael J.
2024
The paper addresses two questions regarding cordon metering that have until now gone unanswered. The first of these pertains to how and where a metered cordon ought to be placed in a city to be of greatest benefit. A simple 3-step rule is proposed that can be readily applied in real settings, and that we call the cordon layout conjecture, or CLC. Its use is shown to minimize the overall travel time...

An Analysis of HOT Lanes in North Carolina

Benjamin, JM
Sakano, R
McKinney, B
Khattak, AJ
Rodriguez, DA
Gaskin, C
2007

Many medium and small-size metropolitan areas in the U.S. face increasing traffic problems similar to large metropolitan areas. These metropolitan areas have responded primarily by expanding their road network and capacity. This paper explores the possibility of using a HOT lane in a medium-size metropolitan area for the same purpose. A detailed analysis and a suggested HOT lane solution are prepared for Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point metropolitan area. While high congestion are not widespread in the region now, a highway corridor is identified based on forecasted high...

The Market for Traffic Information-Study of Industry Structure and Prospects

Chan, Shirley
Malchow, Matthew
Kanafani, Adib
1999

The market for traffic information has grown considerably in the past 10 years. Traffic information is different from other goods because the cost to users is negligible and the product is indirectly priced. As a result of these unique characteristics, the classic economic model can not be applied to determine the price or the amount of information which would be produced and consumed under competitive equilibrium. Examination of the history of traffic information as a marketable good and the structure of the market indicate that traffic information providers are experiencing significant...

Evaluation of the Anaheim Advanced Traffic Control System Field Operational Test: Final Report Task B; Assessment of Institutional Issues

McNally, M.G.
Moore, James E., II
MacCarley, C. Arthur
Jayakrishnan, R.
1999

This report provides an overview of the technical and institutional issues associated with the evaluation of the federally-sponsored Anaheim Advanced Traffic Control System Field Operations Test. The primary FOT objective was the implementation and performance evaluation of adaptive traffic signal control technologies including an existing second generation approach, SCOOT, and a 1.5 generation control (1.5GC) approach under development. Also selected for implementation was a video traffic detection system (VTDS). The SCOOT evaluation was defined relative to existing, first generation UTCS...

Neural Network Models For Automated Detection Of Non-recurring Congestion

Ritchie, Stephen G.
Cheu, Ruey L.
1993

This research addressed the first year of a proposed multi-year research effort that would investigate, assess, and develop neural network models from the field of artificial intelligence for automated detection of non- recurring congestion in integrated freeway and signalized surface street networks. In this research, spatial and temporal traffic patterns are recognized and classified by an artificial neural network.

Estimating ATIS Benefits For The Smart Corridor

Sengupta, Raja
Hongola, Bruce
1998

This report studies the effects of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) on traffic congestion in the Smart Corridor of the Santa Monica Freeway. Simulation modeling is used to estimate the potential travel time savings to divert traffic from the Smart Corridor to arterial roads when incidents occur. The study attempts to establish relationships between traffic management variables, such as incident detection time, incident duration, capacity reduction, percentage of traffic diversion, and duration of traffic diversion.

Development of Hardware in the Loop Simulation and Paramics/VS-PLUS Integration

Dickey, Susan
Li, Meng
Yee, Jonathan
Zennaro, Marco
Liu, Henry X.
Ma, Wenteng
Liu, Hongchao
Chen, Shuaiyu
Lin, Wei-hua
Li, Lefei
2008

The report describes three research efforts carried out under a project titled “Development of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) Simulation and Paramics/VS-PLUS Integration” sponsored by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) under Task Order 5311. The first effort developed and evaluated traffic signal optimization with Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation (HiLS), using the NIATT Controller Interface Device (CID) manufactured by McCain Traffic Supply to provide real-time linkage between the Paramics microscopic simulation and a NEMA TS1 controller. An adaptive control system...

Field Testing of RFID for Parking Management

Huang, Michael
Zhang, Wei-bin
Novick, Linda
Johnston, Scott
Paul, Chris
Warner, Rick
2009

This report summarizes a field evaluation project involving investigation of the feasibility ofusing RFID technology to record vehicle and traveler activities at transit parking lots and at the station entrance. The report presents the field test results collected at a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station, the analyses on the reliability RFID technologies for correlating parking events to station entries and observations on whether travelers accept RFID concept. The study concluded that, under certain design constraints, RFID can be utilized for parking management applications. The report...

Freeway Performance Measurement System (PeMS)

Chen, Chao
2003

The freeway Performance Measurement System (PeMS) collects real time traffic data from sensors and generates performance measures of vehicle miles traveled, hours traveled, and travel time. This project is sponsored by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). PeMS provides tools and reports for traffic planners, operators, and engineers. It has a Web interface. Growing traffic demand in metropolitan areas has far outpaced increases in freeway lane-miles in the United States. The solution to congestion lies in increasing the efficiency of existing infrastructure. Performance...

Evaluation of Portable Automated Data Collection Technologies: Interim Report, Work Accomplished During Fiscal Year 2005-2006

Banks, James H.
2006

This report documents work accomplished during Fiscal Year 2005-2006 as a part of a research project entitled “Evaluation of Portable Automated Data Collection Technologies.” Major activities during this period included a literature survey, surveys of potential users and vendors, preliminary evaluation of portable data collection technologies to select candidate systems for demonstration, and development of demonstration plans. There is demand for portable automated data collection systems for uses related to planning, traffic operations, traffic census, and traffic surveillance functions...