Abstract
The evolution of microcomputers and communication equipment during the past decade is traced, and its effects on traffic control for the next decade discussed. The original system of control by expensive mainframe, with its resultant ties to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Urban Traffic Control System (UTCS) specification are critiqued, and a case is made for closed-loop control using modern microcomputers. It is argued that software adaptation is still a major problem, as most grid optimization is still written for large operating systems. The paper concludes by challenging suppliers to further diversify closed-loop approaches in order to accommodate more complex networks.