Performance Measures for Traffic Signal Systems: An Outcome-Oriented Approach

Authors

Christopher M. Day, Purdue UniversityFollow
Darcy M. Bullock, Purdue UniversityFollow
Howell Li, Purdue UniversityFollow
Steve M. Remias, Purdue UniversityFollow
Alexander M. Hainen, Purdue UniversityFollow
Richard S. Freije, Purdue UniversityFollow
Amanda L. Stevens, Indiana Department of TransportationFollow
James R. Sturdevant, Indiana Department of TransportationFollow
Thomas M. Brennan, The College of New JerseyFollow

Recommended Citation

Day, C. M., D. M. Bullock, H. Li, S. M. Remias, A. M. Hainen, R. S. Freije, A. L. Stevens, J. R. Sturdevant, and T. M. Brennan. Performance Measures for Traffic Signal Systems: An Outcome-Oriented Approach. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 2014. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284315333

DOI

10.5703/1288284315333

Date of this Version

8-2014

Keywords

performance measures, transportation engineering, traffic engineering, traffic control, traffic signals, traffic signal timing, traffic signal coordination

Abstract

This monograph is a synthesis of research carried out on traffic signal performance measures based on high-resolution controller event data, assembled into a methodology for performance evaluation of traffic signal systems. High-resolution data consist of a log of discrete events such as changes in detector and signal phase states. A discussion is provided on the collection and management of the signal event data and on the necessary infrastructure to collect these data. A portfolio of performance measures is then presented, focusing on several different topics under the umbrella of traffic signal systems operation. System maintenance and asset management is one focus. Another focus is signal operations, considered from the perspectives of vehicle capacity allocation and vehicle progression. Performance measures are also presented for nonvehicle modes, including pedestrians, and modes that require signal preemption and priority features. Finally, the use of travel time data is demonstrated for evaluating system operations and assessing the impact of signal retiming activities.

Comments

This is the first of two reports for Pooled Fund Study (TPF-5(258)). You can access the author-accepted manuscript version of the newest report here:

Day, C. M., Bullock, D. M., Li, H., Lavrenz, S., Smith, W. B., & Sturdevant, J. R. (2015). Integrating traffic signal performance measures into agency business processes. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284316063