Comprehensive Data Analysis Approach for Appropriate Scheduling of Signal Timing Plans

Abstract

Improperly scheduled signal timing plans are one of the main reasons for reduced efficiency of traffic signals at coordinated urban arterials. Recently, most urban arterial roads are equipped with intelligent transportation systems devices capable of reporting the collected data on high temporal and spatial resolution, which gives us the opportunity to overcome traditional signal timing planning flaws. Previous studies have proposed methods for scheduling signal timing plans based on small quantities of data combined with various optimization approaches that ultimately require domain expert intervention to fine-tune proposed solutions. Consequently, the signal timing plans scheduling problem is still being addressed without a comprehensive approach. In this study, we propose a novel data-driven procedure based on visual analytics principles to identify the dominant traffic profiles and appropriate scheduling of signal timing plans. The medium-resolution volume data collected over a one-year period on a real-world corridor consisting of 12 signalized intersections were used to validate the proposed methodology. Applied principles from the visual analytics domain allow for a better understanding of traffic characteristics and ultimately alleviate the development of appropriate signal timing schedules. The results show that the proposed method more reliably schedules signal timing plans when compared to current practice.

Analyzing Motorway Operator Data for Spatiotemporal Insights into Speed Dynamics

“…Considering the specific analysis that was conducted at a day-of-the-week level in Athens an uncommon patter during Sundays compared to the international literature was observed. In the city of Athens, during Sundays, traffic patterns tend to exhibit three peaks in contrast with previous studies [34] that distinguish only two peaks. This observation is closely tied to the busy nightlife observed in the capital, which appears to have a significant impact on speed ranges especially on the early morning hours.…”

“…The temporal analysis emphasizes the impact of time and the observed fluctuations. Similar to [34], representing cluster frequency considering the time of day can be highly effective in determining peaks. Considering the specific analysis that was conducted at a day-of-the-week level in Athens an uncommon patter during Sundays compared to the international literature was observed.…”

Development and Evaluation of Performance Measures for Capacity Utilization of Traffic Signals

“…The emergence of novel traffic data sets allowed researchers to address various problems in traffic engineering ( 65–67 ). In this study, high-resolution signal and detection data are used to develop three novel TSPMs to report capacity utilization in “online” fashion, with the purpose of overcoming limitations of the existing V/C and GOR measures.…”

Investigation of Resonant Signal Timing Plans through Comprehensive Evaluation of Various Optimization Approaches

“…Signal timing optimization, also known as the signal retiming process, is a widely used strategy to support efficient traffic signal operations. A vast number of studies have been conducted in recent decades to develop the best-performing signal timing plans for prevailing traffic conditions [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Emerging technologies, particularly connected and autonomous vehicles, have seemed promising in resolving conflicts at signalized intersections, and would ultimately replace the need for traffic signals and the signal retiming process.…”