Wet weather signalization

Project. Wet weather signalization

Principal investigator: Dr. Michael J. Demetsky, University of Virginia, 434-982-2325, mjd@virginia.edu

External contact. Mark Hagan, VDOT, Northern Virginia Smart Traffic Signal Systems, Chantilly, VA, 703-383-2872

Project objective. To examine the feasibility of implementing special traffic signal timing plans during periods of rainy weather.

Project abstract. Reduced intersection efficiency, which is dependant on traffic signal timing, is a possible cause of traveler delay during inclement weather conditions. Intersection safety can also be decreased due to reductions in vehicle performance on wet roadways during periods of rain. The use of weather sensor controlled traffic signals offer a potential solution to the problem of reduced intersection efficiency.
This study will investigate the impact of rainy weather conditions on traffic flow on freeways and signalized arterial highways to document weather effects. This information will be used to develop strategies for adapting signal timing to accommodate changes in traffic behavior during wet weather. These strategies will be evaluated using a traffic simulation model to examine if improvements can be made prior to recommending changes in the field. If successful, ITS components will be identified and recommended to accommodate deployment.

Tasks. 1) Literature Review, 2) Establish sites, database and study period, 3) Evaluate data, 4) Investigate weather sensitive signal timing strategies, 5) Simulation analysis, 6) Investigate ITS solutions, and 7) Final Report

Milestones. This project will be completed by July 31, 2004.

Student involvement. 1 GRA

Budget. $120,000

Relation to other research. This project will support the on-going project, "VDOT Surveillance Needs."

Technology transfer. Papers in professional journals and presentations at conferences

Potential benefits. This project's results will assist transportation managers in determining what changes ought to be implemented in order to speed traffic flow during weather incidents. If an ITS system is successfully designed, it can serve as a model for weather-controlled traffic signals that can easily be implemented in other localities.

TRB keywords: Weather, traffic, signalization



		Project. Wet weather signalization Principal investigator: Dr. Michael J. Demetsky, University of Virginia, 434-982-2325, mjd@virginia.edu External contact. Mark Hagan, VDOT, Northern Virginia Smart Traffic Signal Systems, Chantilly, VA, 703-383-2872 Project objective. To examine the feasibility of implementing special traffic signal timing plans during periods of rainy weather. Project abstract. Reduced intersection efficiency, which is dependant on traffic signal timing, is a possible cause of traveler delay during inclement weather conditions. Intersection safety can also be decreased due to reductions in vehicle performance on wet roadways during periods of rain. The use of weather sensor controlled traffic signals offer a potential solution to the problem of reduced intersection efficiency. This study will investigate the impact of rainy weather conditions on traffic flow on freeways and signalized arterial highways to document weather effects. This information will be used to develop strategies for adapting signal timing to accommodate changes in traffic behavior during wet weather. These strategies will be evaluated using a traffic simulation model to examine if improvements can be made prior to recommending changes in the field. If successful, ITS components will be identified and recommended to accommodate deployment. Tasks. 1) Literature Review, 2) Establish sites, database and study period, 3) Evaluate data, 4) Investigate weather sensitive signal timing strategies, 5) Simulation analysis, 6) Investigate ITS solutions, and 7) Final Report Milestones. This project will be completed by July 31, 2004. Student involvement. 1 GRA Budget. $120,000 Relation to other research. This project will support the on-going project, "VDOT Surveillance Needs." Technology transfer. Papers in professional journals and presentations at conferences Potential benefits. This project's results will assist transportation managers in determining what changes ought to be implemented in order to speed traffic flow during weather incidents. If an ITS system is successfully designed, it can serve as a model for weather-controlled traffic signals that can easily be implemented in other localities. TRB keywords: Weather, traffic, signalization