Platoon dispersion and the linking of traffic signals

Author(s):  
R. J. Salter
Author(s):  
Abdelaziz Manar ◽  
Karsten G. Baass

Platoon dispersion is a key element in traffic simulation models designed to measure arrivals at traffic signals. One of the most popular models is contained in the TRANSYT program. In this program, dispersion is defined by the platoon dispersion factor, which is given for three types of conditions in relation to external friction. This study demonstrates that platoon dispersion depends not only on external friction but also on internal friction between vehicles in the platoon. As volumes and densities increase, platoon dispersion increases up to a maximum, which is attained at half the capacity. As volumes and densities increase further, dispersion decreases and reaches a minimum value at volumes around maximal capacity. Experimental analysis on eight arterial sites in the city of Montreal (Quebec, Canada) has confirmed this relationship between dispersion and traffic volumes. Mathematical models (having a parabolic shape) relating platoon dispersion to internal and external friction were developed for three different categories of arterial streets representing low, moderate, and heavy friction levels. These models could be introduced into signal coordination programs and could contribute to a better simulation of arriving platoons at intersections as volumes change in relation to time.


Author(s):  
Sharmin-E-Shams Chowdhury ◽  
Aleksandar Stevanovic ◽  
Nikola Mitrovic

Pedestrian walk timings at most U.S. traffic signals are run in concurrence with relevant signal phases for vehicular traffic. This usually means that signal operations coordinated for the major street can be interrupted by a pedestrian call. Such an interruption may in practice last for a few minutes, thus causing increased delays and stops for major traffic flows. An alternative to this design is to increase the cycle length and embed pedestrian timings within the ring-barrier structure of the prevailing coordination plan. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. A fresh approach offered by this study is a comprehensive experimental design and holistic performance evaluation perspectives. The study examines the two abovementioned treatments of pedestrian timings for a small corridor of five intersections in Utah. The experiments have been done in a high-fidelity microsimulation environment with the Software-in-the-Loop version of the field controller (Econolite ASC/3). Findings show that either approach works well for very low traffic demands. When the traffic demand increases findings cannot be generalized as they differ for major coordinated movements versus overall network performance. While major-street traffic prefers no interruption of the coordinated operations, the overall network performance is better in the other case. This can be explained by the fact that avoiding interruptions is usually achieved at the expense of longer cycle length, which increases delay for everyone in the network.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document