Project. Low-cost adaptive signals

Principal investigator. William Scherer, UVa SIE, 804-982-2069, wts@virgiina.edu

External contact. James Robinson, VDOT, 1401 E Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219. 804-786-6677 James Robinson, VDOT, 1401 E Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219. 804-786-6677

Project objective. Development of low-cost, easy to implement, hybrid Time-of-Day (TOD) and Adaptive Control procedure for data-driven signal timing.

Project abstract. This project involves designing procedures for developing and implementing a modified form of adaptive control that does not require significant additional resources and that can use existing technology. The hypothesis of the research is that the historical and current data collected by signal control systems can be used to improve system design and operations using a modified TOD traffic signal timing method via cluster analysis. Second and Third generation adaptive control methods for signal timing have proven costly in the required additional hardware, software, and maintenance. Our proposed method has potential for solving this problem in a timely and cost effective manner. This project involves designing procedures for developing and implementing a modified form of adaptive control that does not require significant additional resources and that can use existing technology. The hypothesis of the research is that the historical and current data collected by signal control systems can be used to improve system design and operations using a modified TOD traffic signal timing method via cluster analysis. Second and Third generation adaptive control methods for signal timing have proven costly in the required additional hardware, software, and maintenance. Our proposed method has potential for solving this problem in a timely and cost effective manner.

Tasks. The project will extend over two years and involves three main tasks. Task 1 involves the data analysis and creation of the analytical methods for creating state clusters, appropriate TOD plans, and the procedure for mapping of the state clusters into appropriate TOD plans. Task 2 is the creation of the complete procedure that can be readily implemented in existing signal systems. Finally, Task 3 involves a detailed evaluation, using simulation and actual data, on a selected corridor in Northern Virginia.

Milestones. This project is scheduled to begin in January 2002 and be completed by December 31, 2003.

Student involvement. Two full-effort GRAs. Two full-effort GRAs.

Budget.   $270,000

Relation to other research. Directly involved with VDOT sponsored research and UVa STL research program that has been evolving for the past three years.

Technology transfer. Publications in professional journals.

Potential benefits. Improved signal operations, with minimal additional costs. Improved signal operations, with minimal additional costs.

TRB keywords. signal timing, data, ITS