Pedestrian Travel Times and Motor Vehicle Traffic Signals

1996 ◽  
Vol 1553 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert B. Noland
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Traffic Signals ◽  
Vehicle Traffic ◽  
Cycle Times ◽  
Signal Average ◽  
Vehicle Delay ◽  
Pedestrian Traffic ◽  
Pedestrian Travel ◽  
Travel Delay

Traffic signals generally have been installed to maximize the flow of motor vehicle traffic by reducing the average travel delay time. Under free-flow conditions, motor vehicle travel delay is very sensitive to the amount of green phase and the total cycle of the traffic signal. Average pedestrian delay at traffic signals is not taken into account. Some simple examples are used to demonstrate that travel time delay costs to pedestrians caused by existing signalization cycles may often result in increased travel time costs to society. In areas with heavy pedestrian traffic (or during peak pedestrian hours), traffic signals should trade off the costs of motor vehicle delay with pedestrian delay. This may suggest that in some areas, motor vehicle traffic should be banned or severely restricted. Narrower street widths that can allow reduced total signal cycle times can also reduce pedestrian delay.

scholarly journals EXPERIMENTS SIMULATION AND DESIGN TO SET TRAFFIC LIGHTS’ OPERATION RULES

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOSÉ ALFREDO JIMÉNEZ GARCÍA
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Speed Limit ◽  
Vehicle Traffic ◽  
Cycle Times ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Traffic System ◽  
Operation Rules ◽  
Greenhouse Effect Gas

In this paper it is used the experimental design to minimize the travel time of motor vehicles, in one of the most important avenues of Celaya City in Guanajuato, Mexico, by means of optimal synchronization of existing traffic lights. In the optimization process three factors are considered: the traffic lights’ cycle times, the synchrony defined as stepped, parallel and actual, and speed limit, each one with 3 evaluation levels. The response variables to consider are: motor vehicles’ travel time, fuel consumption and greenhouse effect gas (CO2) emissions. The different experiments are performed using the simulation model developed in the PTV-VISSIM software, which represents the vehicle traffic system. The obtained results for the different proposed scenarios allow to find proper levels at which the vehicle traffic system must be operated in order to improve mobility, to reduce contamination rates and decrease the fuel consumption for the different motor vehicles that use the avenue.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4093

Comparison of Simulation Modules of TRANSYT and INTEGRATION Models

1996 ◽  
Vol 1566 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesham A. Rakha ◽  
Michel W. Van Aerde
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Cycle Length ◽  
Traffic Signals ◽  
Complex Signal ◽  
Dynamic Features ◽  
Total Travel Time ◽  
Vehicle Delay ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Vehicle Travel Time ◽  
Signal Network

The TRANSYT simulation/optimization model serves as an unofficial international standard against which many measure the efficiency of other methods of coordinating networks of traffic signals that operate at a constant and common cycle length. However, dynamics due to traffic rerouting, the simultaneous operation of adjacent traffic signals at different cycle lengths, the effect of queue spillbacks on the capacity of upstream links, and various forms of real-time intersection control cannot be modeled using a static model such as TRANSYT. This has created a unique niche for a more dynamic signal network simulation tool. Before modeling such special dynamic scenarios, there first exists a need to validate the static signal control features of such a model and to determine if its unique dynamic features still permit it to yield credible static results. This study has two objectives. First, it attempts to illustrate the extent to which estimates of vehicle travel time, vehicle delay, and number of vehicle stops are related when a standard static signal network is examined using both TRANSYT and INTEGRATION. Second, it strives to illustrate that the types of more complex signal timing problems, which at present cannot be examined by the TRANSYT model, can be examined using the dynamic features of INTEGRATION. The results are intended to permit a better appreciation of both their differences and similarities and permit a more informed decision as to when and where each model should be used. Also demonstrated is that INTEGRATION simulates traffic-signalized networks in a manner that is consistent with TRANSYT for conditions in which TRANSYT is valid. Specifically, the difference in total travel time and percentage of vehicle stops is within 5 percent. In addition, it is also shown that INTEGRATION can simulate conditions that represent the limitations to the current TRANSYT model, such as degrees of saturation in excess of 95 percent and adjacent signals operating at different cycle length durations. This analysis of the simulation features of TRANSYT and INTEGRATION is intended to be a precursor to a comparison of their respective optimization routines.

Evaluation of Innovative Bike-Box Application in Eugene, Oregon

2000 ◽  
Vol 1705 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
William W. Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Traffic Signals ◽  
Traffic Signal ◽  
Target Group ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Vehicle Traffic ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Signal Changes ◽  
The Right

An innovative “bike box”—a right-angle extension to a bike lane (BL) at the head of the intersection—was installed with accompanying traffic signs but no extra traffic signals at a busy downtown intersection featuring two one-way streets in Eugene, Oregon, in summer 1998. The box allows bicyclists traveling to the intersection in a left side BL to get to the head of the traffic queue on a red traffic signal indication and then proceed ahead of motor vehicle traffic toward a right side BL when the traffic signal changes to green. Cyclists traveling through the intersection were videotaped before and after placement of the box. The videotapes were coded to evaluate operational behaviors and conflicts with motorists, other bicyclists, and pedestrians. Twenty-two percent of the bicyclists who approached in the left side BL and then crossed to the BL on the right side of the street (the bicyclists for whom the box was most intended) used the box. Many more bicyclists in this target group could have used the box (i.e., they had a red signal indication and enough time to move into the box). A problem with motor vehicle encroachments into the box likely diminished the frequency of use. The rate of conflicts between bicycles and motor vehicles changed little in the before and after periods. No conflicts took place while the bike box was being used as intended.

scholarly journals Assessment of a Displaced Pedestrian Crossing for Multilane Arterials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Jalal Nafakh ◽  
Yunchang Zhang ◽  
Sarah Hubbard ◽  
Jon D. Fricker
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Pedestrian Safety ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Vehicle Delay ◽  
Left Turns ◽  
Pedestrian Travel ◽  
Right Turns On Red ◽  
Pedestrian Crossing ◽  
Right Turns

This research explores the benefits of a pedestrian crosswalk that is physically displaced from the intersection, using simulation software to estimate the benefits in terms of delay and pedestrian travel time. In many cases, the displaced pedestrian crossing may provide benefits such as reduced vehicle delay, reduced crossing distance, increased opportunity for signal progression, and reduced conflicts with turning vehicles. The concurrent pedestrian service that is traditionally used presents potential conflicts between pedestrians and three vehicular movements: right turns, permissive left turns, and right turns on red. The findings of this research suggest that a displaced pedestrian crossing should be considered as an option by designers when serving pedestrians crossing multi-lane arterials. In addition to reduced delay, pedestrian safety may be improved due to the shorter crossing distance, the elimination of conflicts with turning vehicles, and the potential for high driver compliance rates associated with signals, such as pedestrian hybrid beacons.

Operational Effects of the Consolidated Intersection Design on Urban and Suburban Arterials

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (17) ◽  
pp. 96-107
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Signal Timing ◽  
Left Turn ◽  
Vehicle Delay ◽  
Cycle Lengths ◽  
Expected Benefits ◽  
Traffic Signal Timing ◽  
Critical Phases ◽  
Pedestrian Crossing

Along urban and suburban arterials, closely-spaced signalized intersections are commonly used to provide access to adjacent commercial developments. Often, these signalized intersections are designed to provide full access to developments on both sides of the arterial and permit through, left-turn, and right-turn movements from every intersection approach. Traffic signal timing is optimized to reduce vehicle delay or provide progression to vehicles on the arterial, or both. However, meeting both of these criteria can be cumbersome, if not impossible, under high-demand situations. This research proposes a new design that consolidates common movements at three consecutive signalized intersections into strategic fixed locations along the arterial. The consolidation of common movements allows the intersections to cycle between only two critical phases, which, in turn, promotes shorter cycle lengths, lower delay, and better progression. This research tested the consolidated intersection concept by modeling a real-world site in microsimulation software and obtaining values for delay and travel time for multiple vehicle paths along the corridor and adjacent commercial developments in both existing and proposed conditions. With the exception of unsignalized right turns at the periphery of the study area, all non-displaced routes showed a reduction in travel time and delay. Additional research is needed to understand how additional travel through the commercial developments adjacent to the arterial may effect travel time and delay. Other expected benefits of the proposed design include a major reduction in conflict points, shorter pedestrian crossing and wait times, and the opportunity to provide pedestrian refuge areas in the median.

scholarly journals Modeling Operational Performance of Urban Roads with Heterogeneous Traffic Conditions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swapneel R. Kodupuganti ◽  
Sonu Mathew ◽  
Srinivas S. Pulugurtha
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Travel Time ◽  
Queue Length ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Heterogeneous Traffic ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Travel Time Reliability ◽  
Traffic Conditions ◽  
Vehicle Delay ◽  
Blue Line

The rapid growth in population and related demand for travel during the past few decades has had a catalytic effect on traffic congestion, air quality, and safety in many urban areas. Transportation managers and planners have planned for new facilities to cater to the needs of users of alternative modes of transportation (e.g., public transportation, walking, and bicycling) over the next decade. However, there are no widely accepted methods, nor there is enough evidence to justify whether such plans are instrumental in improving mobility of the transportation system. Therefore, this project researches the operational performance of urban roads with heterogeneous traffic conditions to improve the mobility and reliability of people and goods. A 4-mile stretch of the Blue Line light rail transit (LRT) extension, which connects Old Concord Rd and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s main campus on N Tryon St in Charlotte, North Carolina, was considered for travel time reliability analysis. The influence of crosswalks, sidewalks, trails, greenways, on-street bicycle lanes, bus/LRT routes and stops/stations, and street network characteristics on travel time reliability were comprehensively considered from a multimodal perspective. Likewise, a 2.5-mile-long section of the Blue Line LRT extension, which connects University City Blvd and Mallard Creek Church Rd on N Tryon St in Charlotte, North Carolina, was considered for simulation-based operational analysis. Vissim traffic simulation software was used to compute and compare delay, queue length, and maximum queue length at nine intersections to evaluate the influence of vehicles, LRT, pedestrians, and bicyclists, individually and/or combined. The statistical significance of variations in travel time reliability were particularly less in the case of links on N Tryon St with the Blue Line LRT extension. However, a decrease in travel time reliability on some links was observed on the parallel route (I-85) and cross-streets. While a decrease in vehicle delay on northbound and southbound approaches of N Tryon St was observed in most cases after the LRT is in operation, the cross-streets of N Tryon St incurred a relatively higher increase in delay after the LRT is in operation. The current pedestrian and bicycling activity levels seemed insignificant to have an influence on vehicle delay at intersections. The methodological approaches from this research can be used to assess the performance of a transportation facility and identify remedial solutions from a multimodal perspective.

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