Analysis of yellow-light running at signalized intersections using high-resolution traffic data

Many accidents occurring at signalized intersections are closely related to drivers’ decisions of running through intersections during yellow light, i.e., yellow-light running (YLR). Therefore it is important to understand the relationships between YLR and the factors which contribute to drivers’ decision of YLR. This requires collecting a large amount of YLR cases. However, existing data collection method, which mainly relies on video cameras, has difficulties to collect a large amount of YLR data. In this research, we propose a method to study drivers’ YLR behaviors using high-resolution event-based data from signal control systems. We used 8 months’ high-resolution data collected by two stop-bar detectors at a signalized intersection located in Minnesota and identified over 30,000 YLR cases. To identify the possible reasons for drivers’ decision of YLR, this research further categorized the YLR cases into four types: “in should-go zone”, “in should-stop zone”, “in dilemma zone”, and “in optional zone” according to the driver’s location when signal turns to yellow. Statistical analysis indicates that the mean values of approaching speed and acceleration rate are significantly different for different types of YLR. We also show that there were about 10% of YLR drivers who cannot run through intersection before traffic light turns to red. Furthermore, based on a strong correlation between hourly traffic volume and number of YLR events, this research developed a regression model that can be used to predict the number of YLR events based on hourly flow rate. This research also showed that snowing weather conditions cause more YLR events.     

Operational analysis of the contraflow left-turn lane design at signalized intersections in China

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the impacts of an unconventional left-turn treatment called contraflow left-turn lane (CLL) on the operational performance of left-turn movement at signalized intersections. An analytical model was developed for estimating the capacity of left-turn movement at signalized intersections with the CLL design. The capacity model was calibrated and validated using field data collected at six approaches at five signalized intersections in the city of Handan, China. The results of field data analyses showed that the use of CLL design improved the capacity of left-turn movements. However, the capacity gains with the CLL design were quite stochastic considering the randomness in the arrivals of left-turning vehicles. Analytical delay models were proposed for estimating the delay to left-turning vehicles at intersections with the CLL design. A procedure was also proposed for optimizing the location of the upstream median opening and the green interval of the pre-signal. Simulation analyses were conducted to compare the delay experienced by the left-turning and through vehicles at signalized intersections with the conventional left-turn lane, the CLL and another unconventional left-turn treatment entitled “tandem design”. The results showed that both CLL and tandem designs outperformed conventional left-turn lane design; and the CLL design generated less delay to both the left-turning and through vehicles as compared with the tandem design.     

Performance evaluation of the inside intersection median-turn lane markings on the mobility and safety performance of signalized intersections in the Philippines and Japan

Signalized intersections are one of the key elements that play a vital role at road networks. The efficiency and safety levels of intersections can affect the operational performance of the whole system. In general, turning traffic, especially median-turning, has always been considered as the most problematic movement in the operation of intersections. This becomes more critical with high turning demand where exclusive turning lanes (single or double) can be assigned to provide larger capacities for these movements and to reduce conflicts with through traffic. However, improper treatment of median-turn lanes could create cross-maneuvering behavior which may limit the expected increase in capacity and create safety issues. Median-turning lane markings are commonly provided at intersections in Japan to guide drivers while turning which is expected to reduce the conflicts among turning traffic. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, exclusive median-turn lanes are installed at intersections without proper treatment which may contribute to the low mobility and safety levels. Therefore, this study evaluated the impact of inside intersection lane markings on the operation of median-turn lanes in terms of mobility and safety. The vehicle maneuver, speed and interactions between the turning traffic were utilized as essential components for the assessment. The empirical analysis shows that conflicting trajectories were present on double turn lanes without median-turn lane markings in the Philippines, which resulted to serious conflicts among the turning vehicles and negatively influenced the turning speed and saturation flow rate of the turn lanes. On the other hand, the turn lane markings in Japan, provided a positive impact to mobility and safety of the turning lanes. Moreover, it was also found that the geometric characteristics and traffic signal phasing scheme highly affects the capacity and safety condition of signalized intersections.     

呼和浩特火车站交叉口交通组织优化分析研究

针对呼和浩特火车站交叉口的交通组织方式和信号配时进行实地调查,并对当前组织方式下的交通运行状况进行分析,以车辆安全畅通运行及延误时间短为目标,提出适合该路口交通条件的提前放行左转的保护加许可型信号配时优化方案,并应用synchro进行仿真,仿真结果表明该优化方案有效提高了交叉口通行能力且降低了延误时间。     

Patterns and projections of technical development in freeway surveillance and control in the U.S.A.

This paper explores the historical trends in freeway traffic management technology in the U.S., and the most likely projections for the coming two decades. First, existing computer‐supervised freeway surveillance and control techniques are reviewed with particular emphasis on the scientific and technological landmarks which has led to the evolution of these techniques. Next, the major underlying trends which bear on the future of automated freeway surveillance and control are identified. Finally, extrapolative projections are made to determine the most likely future of this technology. The paper concludes with implications for the issues of meeting short‐term transportation needs of urban areas through more efficient use of existing transportation facilities.     

多相位信号交叉口微观仿真模型及控制系统研究

通过对信号交叉口车辆到达、排队、起动、减速、跟驰、避让等各种交通流微观运行特性的分析,建立了交叉口描述、车辆发生、车道选择、车辆运行等模型,提出了一种交叉口多相位信号控制方案仿真系统。该系统操作方便,界面形象丰富,扩展性强,有效地反映了交叉口交通流的随机性和复杂性,能用于交叉口仿真和优化控制。     

城市多路交叉口的交通治理措施研究

该文对城市多路交叉口的形成原因、产生的问题、治理措施进行了论述,并以上海市静安区乌鲁木齐北路-愚园路五路交叉口的交通治理改善设计为例,阐述了城市多路交叉口交通治理的实施及改善,可提高交叉口的通行能力和服务水平,保障交通通行安全。     

信号交叉口汽车燃油消耗分析方法研究

介绍汽车燃油消耗微观模型,分析信号交叉口汽车燃油消耗的影响因素,提出基于汽车燃油消耗微观模型和信号交叉口延误分析技术的汽车燃油消耗分析方法和步骤。将微观模型与宏观分析方法相结合,揭示信号交叉口汽车燃油消耗的基本规律,得出信号交叉口汽车燃油消耗与交通量的关系,以及信号交叉口各种汽车燃油消耗所占的比例。     

城市四交叉路口交通引导仿真系统

基于城市道路交通的拥挤和阻塞主要表现在若干个交叉路口的事实，提出了以四交叉路口为对象的交通引导仿真系统模型框架，并讨论了实际选取交叉路口应考虑的三个方面的因素。如果把每个交叉路口的车流看作排队事件，不同交叉路口的车流事件会发生冲突。轮询各个交叉路口的车流排队事件，用事件驱动状态转移与专家系统技术相结合的方法来疏解事件冲突，做出调整交通引导的决策。同时给出了仿真系统模型的目标、功能以及交叉口、车道、信号相位、信号周期等系统状态的描述。     

Identifying the most critical transportation intersections using social network analysis

Traffic congestion negatively impacts our society. Most of the traditional transportation planning techniques – though effective – require rigorous amounts of data and analysis which consumes time and resources. This paper uses social network analysis (SNA) to analyze transportation networks, and consequently corroborate the effectiveness of SNA as a complementary tool for improved transportation planning. After creating the connection between the language and concepts of SNA and those of transportation systems – as well as developing a model that utilizes different SNA centrality measures within the transportation context – the authors utilize SNA to investigate traffic networks in three case studies in the state of Louisiana, analyze the results and draw conclusions. To this effect, with minimal cost and time, the model identifies the most critical intersections that should be further investigated using traditional techniques. These results are in agreement with the findings of Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development.