The primary objectives of this research were to analyze a hypothesis that traffic data from a basic sensor located near a signal stop bar, combined with signal state data, can be used to estimate arterial traffic conditions (congestion); develop a prototype analytical method to test that relationship, and evaluate requirements and other issues associated with future application of the method. Specifically, lane occupancy percentage values from a sensor located just upstream from a stop bar for an arterial traffic signal, when appropriately filtered by signal state data to determine occupancy during green and amber phases only, were hypothesized to be associated with nearby arterial performance (such as congestion or traffic delay), and this relationship was proposed to be used to develop a basic arterial performance estimation method. From the results analyzed, the use of occupancy values from a stop bar sensor during the green and amber signal states shows promise as an indicator of arterial performance, and the hardware and analytical requirements for the method do not appear restrictive. Additional testing of the robustness of this method would be beneficial, to further document the applicability of the method for different scenarios.
Abstract