A Proposal of a Real-Time Demand Responsive Signal Control Algorithm for Displaced Left-Turn Intersections Corridor in Developing Countries

Abstract

To alleviate congestions at signalized intersections, Displaced Left-turn Crossovers (DLTs), also known as Continuous Flow Intersections (CFIs) are becoming as prevalent treatments over the past decade in some developed cities around the world. Through the novel solution provided by DLTs, left turn flows could cross the opposing traffic lanes upstream of the main intersection. As a result, DLTs lead to higher capacities, lower delays and fewer crashes. In spite of the extensive preliminary studies focused on the operational performance of DLTs, little research has been conducted considering the coordination of DLTs. In addition, although the considerable sparse works highlighted the DLT intersection, the heterogeneous traffic condition as a dominant operation environment in lots of developing countries has never been estimated. Hence, in order to fulfill the heterogeneous condition needs and considering the coordination of DLTs, the driving force of this study context is developing a real-time demand-responsive signal control system on the solid foundation of the optimization principles. This entire algorithm was built based on developing a mathematical model and utilizing PTV-VISSIM as a micro-simulator based approach. In order to test the proposed algorithm, an inter-process communication and dynamic object creation were provided by employing VISSIM-COM interface and MATLAB a multi-paradigmnumerical computing environment. Although the academic in nature, the proposed algorithm presented in this context could be evolved through a real-world practical application. As a realistic study case, actually obtained data were made available of three signalized intersections located in an arterial corridor in central Cairo, Egypt.

Cost–Benefit Analysis of Unconventional Arterial Intersection Designs: Cairo as a Case Study

“…To fulfil the heterogeneous traffic conditions needs-particularly while representing the CFI design-highly attention was paid to designing the exclusive left turn lane, in order to avoid any possibility of blockage. Moreover, coordination between the traffic signal groups of both the main intersection and the upstream crossovers was carefully considered by utilizing different coordination techniques; namely, bandwidth maximization and delay minimization [5,8,28]. On the other hand, all proposed designs were presented considering the issue of conflict points with high priority [5][6][7][8]24].…”