Multi-criteria optimization of traffic signals: Mobility, safety, and environment

Abstract

a b s t r a c tTwo-dimensional multi-objective optimizations have been used for decades for the problems in traffic engineering although only few times so far in the optimization of signal timings. While the other engineering and science disciplines have utilized visualization of 3-dimensional Pareto fronts in the optimization studies, we have not seen many of those concepts applied to traffic signal optimization problems. To bridge the gap in the existing knowledge this study presents a methodology where 3-dimensional Pareto Fronts of signal timings, which are expressed through mobility, (surrogate) safety, and environmental factors, are optimized by use of an evolutionary algorithm. The study uses a segment of 5 signalized intersections in West Valley City, Utah, to test signal timings which provide a balance between mobility, safety and environment. In addition, a set of previous developed signal timing scenarios, including some of the Connected Vehicle technologies such as GLOSA, were conducted to evaluate the quality of the 3-dimensional Pareto front solutions. The results show success of 3-dimensinal Pareto fronts moving towards optimality. The resulting signal timing plans do not show large differences between themselves but all improve on the signal timings from the field, significantly. The commonly used optimization of standard single-objective functions shows robust solutions. The new set of Connected Vehicle technologies also shows promising benefits, especially in the area of reducing inter-vehicular friction. The resulting timing plans from two optimization sets (constrained and unconstrained) show that environmental and safe signal timings coincide but somewhat contradict mobility. Further research is needed to apply similar concepts on a variety of networks and traffic conditions before generalizing findings.

A comparison between PARAMICS and VISSIM in estimating automated field‐measured traffic conflicts at signalized intersections

“…Stevanovic et al . presented a new method for signal timing optimization through a tradeoff between mobility, safety, and the environment. The method integrated the traffic simulation model (VISSIM), surrogate safety assessment (SSAM), fuel consumption and emission modeling, and signal timing optimization tool .…”

Cycling at Intersections: A Multi-Objective Assessment for Traffic, Emissions and Safety

“…However, there is a lack of research focused on the impacts of cycling at intersections in an integrated way. Stevanovic et al (2015) used multi-objective analysis to evaluate the traffic signal operation integrated impacts on three dimensions; traffic performance, emissions and safety at signalized intersections. However, the research did not include bicycle effects on intersection-specific operations.…”

A stochastic optimization framework for road traffic controls based on evolutionary algorithms and traffic simulation

“…Moreover, genetic algorithms (GAs), one of the nature-inspired optimization techniques, probably are the most frequently used approach for the applications of traffic light optimization (e.g. Teklu et al, 2007;Park and Lee, 2009;Sánchez-Medina et al, 2010;Ma et al, 2014b;Stevanovic et al, 2015). Some studies, including the one by Stevanovic et al (2015), have brought utilities for the practice in traffic engineering concerning different aspects including mobility, safety, and environmental impacts.…”

“…Teklu et al, 2007;Park and Lee, 2009;Sánchez-Medina et al, 2010;Ma et al, 2014b;Stevanovic et al, 2015). Some studies, including the one by Stevanovic et al (2015), have brought utilities for the practice in traffic engineering concerning different aspects including mobility, safety, and environmental impacts. However, the proposed approaches are limited to the dedicated traffic models, and few of them introduced the detailed implementations, especially concerning engineering software development and more efficient optimization algorithms.…”