The impact of intelligent traffic signal control on the capacity of an urban-controlled intersection

Abstract

Urban transportation networks operate in different modes. Knowing these modes and the transitions between them is an important factor in determining the efficiency of the urban transportation network. Overloading this network leads to traffic jams. For several decades, urban traffic has been facing the problem of congestion. This problem is particularly acute in large metropolitan cities, where the number of vehicles is growing rapidly and the capacity of transport networks remains virtually unchanged. A key element and the main cause of traffic jams is the intersection of city roads, where traffic flows from different directions converge. The first step in urban traffic management technology is the organization of traffic lights. Usually, the duration of the green and red light phases is constant, which does not take into account the current traffic congestion in different directions. In this study, we are talking about intersections with intelligent traffic control. This type of control is fundamentally different from standard traffic light control. Intelligent traffic control of vehicles passing through a separately controlled intersection is carried out using a computer program that takes into account the traffic congestion at the intersection and makes appropriate adjustments to the length of the red and green light phases to maximize throughput. The proposed procedure will optimize the throughput of each individual intersection, which will eventually lead to the transition of urban traffic to a qualitatively new level. At the same time, the number of traffic jams on city highways will be drastically reduced. The system operates in real time and therefore dynamically adjusts the phases of the traffic light, synchronized with the load of different directions at the intersection. The duration of each car's journey along the selected route will be reduced, making the journey more comfortable and safe.