CIV3703 Transport Engineering

Module 6 – Managing Road Traffic

Part B
6.8 Traffic Control Signals
Basic Principle: Allocation of ‘green time’ to
vehicle movements in proportion to volumes
entering.
Austroads “Guide to Traffic Management”.
Signal
Basic Traffic Signal Design Process
Collection of preliminary data.
Determination of geometric requirements.
Computation of phasing schemes.
Selection of signal displays.
Selection of detection system and controller.
Selection of signal hardware.
Preparation of electrical designs, time settings and
operational features.
Major Components
Signal lanterns
Lantern supports
Power reticulation
Signal controller
Traffic detectors
6.8.1 Types of Traffic Signal Control

Terms:
• Signal phase – a state of the signals during
which one or more movements receive right
of way.

• Signal cycle – one complete sequence of

signal phases.

• Intergreen period – the time taken by a

combination of amber and all-red displays.
A typical phasing at a T-intersection
Cycle time
Typical phasing sequences for a four leg intersection
Types of Controllers
Fixed Time Controllers
No detectors
Fixed sequence
Relatively cheap but inflexible

Semi Traffic Actuated Controllers

Use detectors on minor approaches

Traffic Actuated Controllers

Detectors on all approaches
Responsive to changing conditions
SIDRA
Signalised Intersection Design and Research Aid

• Computer software package originally developed

by ARRB Transport Research Ltd.
• Aids in the design and evaluation of signalised
intersections, roundabouts and stop sign
controlled intersections.
• Widely used in Australia and overseas.

• Others: HCS7F
6.8.2 Co-ordination of Traffic Signals
Urban areas – traffic signals may be in close proximity.
Traffic operation enhanced if signal sets can be coordinated.
Simplest case – single arterial road with cross intersection
at constant spacing.
Complex cases – network of roads and streets
Coordination of Traffic Signals

Arterial road

Area

Freeway entry
Task: Coordination of Parameters
Cycle time: All signals within a particular area must
operate at one common cycle length, when they
spaced equally.
Green split: Relative proportions of the cycle length
must be specified for each phase at each
intersection.
Offsets: Relative timing of signals on main roads
must be such that vehicles travelling along the road
do so with minimum stops and delay.
SCATS
Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System.
Developed by RTA (now RMS) in NSW (early 70’s)
Now in 142 cities in 24 countries worldwide
Real time traffic signal coordination, in which cycle
length, green split and offset calculation is based
upon measured traffic data
Others:
SCOOT - Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique
STREAMS - Synergised Transport Resources Ensuring and
Advance Management System
Central monitoring System
The SCATS includes production of traffic
performance reports and event/incident reports.

The SCATS Default Configuration will be

programmed to the following settings:
Maximum number of SCATS region connections to the Central Manager = 50
Maximum number of intersections connections to each SCATS Region = 120;
System hierarchy

50 regional workstations

Max of 120 intersection/each

Australia
STREAMS (Synergised Transport Resources
Ensuring an Advance Management System)
– previously used in Queensland

SCATS (Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic

System) in Queensland, Sydney
+
Computer software:
HCM&TRANSYT-7F, VISSIM, SYNCHRO, PASSER,
NETSIM
6.9 The aim of traffic management
Definition:
The application of a defined traffic control policy to an
area or an extended length of road, with the aim of
achieving a specified set of community objectives.

(Traffic management distinguishable from a traffic

control action which applies to a particular
intersection or trouble spot).
Types of Traffic Management Objectives

Improvement of physical conditions, e.g. reduction

of congestion
Improvement of physical environment, e.g.
reduction in noise pollution
Improvement of access, e.g. to commercial areas
Improvement of safety, e.g. slowing of vehicles to
improve child safety
Reduction of parking problems
Implementation
Usually involves alteration of traffic flow
pattern.
Some roads will have lower volumes, some
will have higher volumes.
Trade-off situation.
Community involvement
Trials
6.10 Traffic Management Principles

Basic design principle:

“decide where the traffic is to go,
and where it is not to go,
and apply measures to achieve the desired distribution
and flow characteristics”.

Defined road hierarchy needed to implement

traffic management.
Each road:
Balance of traffic function and access function.
Access Vs. Mobility

Austroads 2015
Movement and Place framework

Source: Austroads 2017

6.10.1 Functional Classification of Roads and Streets

Typical system in
Brisbane:
Type A - Access roads (cul-de-
sac, minor roads)
Type B - Collector roads
Type C - Distributor roads
Type D - Sub-arterial roads
Type E - Arterial roads
Type F - Industrial roads
Typical road design criteria for residential areas
6.11 Traffic Management Strategies
a) Define the area of the network for which a traffic management strategy
is to be developed.
b) Conduct a survey of the study area, including traffic volumes, travel
times, traffic problem locations, identification of different interest
groups, views of interest groups, etc.
c) Identify the desired objectives of the traffic management scheme,
together with measures of their achievement.
d) Develop alternative proposals to achieve the desired objectives.
e) Carry out initial assessment of the various proposals, including prediction
of changed traffic flows, impacts on all relevant groups, and general
performance of each scheme relative to the stated objectives.
f) Select the preferred scheme and undertake more detailed design and
analysis.
g) Implement the scheme on a trial basis, monitoring feedback and
modifying the scheme as appropriate.
6.11.1 Major Urban Road Networks
Aim:
• seek to make travel on major road system as attractive as
possible so as to encourage their use.
• Various measures to achieve this.
Measures to Encourage Travel on Major Road

1. Parking bans
2. Access control and reduction
3. Intersection improvements
4. Coordination of traffic signals
5. Designation of heavy vehicle routes
6. Priority for high occupancy vehicles
Measures to Encourage Travel on Major Roads

1. Parking bans
Prohibition on parking
Introduction of clearways
Provide additional traffic
lanes without construction
work (remarking?)
Disbenefit to adjacent
landholders
Require appropriate level of
enforcement
Measures to Encourage Travel on Major Roads

2. Access control and reduction

 Major road traffic has absolute priority
Eg., Stop or Give-Way signs can be used
 Limiting number of intersections at which access to the major road is
possible
Measures to Encourage Travel on Major Roads

3. Intersection improvements
flaring of approaches
provision of separate turning lanes
channelisation
turn restrictions
traffic signal installation
Measures to Encourage Travel on Major Roads

4. Coordination of traffic signals

Measures to Encourage Travel on Major Roads

5. Designation of heavy vehicle routes

Measures to Encourage Travel on Major Roads

6. Priority for high occupancy vehicles

Encouraging public transport operation

Exclusive right-of-way
Bus priority lanes
Traffic signal priority
Movement ban exemptions
Preferential access to freeways
6.11.2 Traffic Management for Residential Areas

Preparation of scheme must be done considering

big picture.
Local traffic area usually bounded by arterial roads.
Areas generally of residential nature, but may not
be exclusively residential.
Treatments for Local Areas
Reduction of intersection conflicts by the use of Stop
or Give Way signs.
Treatments for Local Areas
Reduction of statutory
speeds.
Treatments for Local Areas

Reduction of street
connectivity by full or
partial intersection
closure.
Treatments for Local Areas

Reduction of local street connectivity by partial

prevention of access from major roads.
Treatments for Local Areas

Discouragement of through traffic by reducing

the width of intersection openings from
major roads.
Treatments for Local Areas
Reduction of speeds by changes of road format.
Treatments for Local Areas

Discouragement of through
traffic by change of the
nature of street
entrance.
Treatments for Local Areas

Austroads, 2017b
Treatments for Local Areas
Reduction of intersection
speeds by the use of
roundabouts.
Treatments for Local Areas

Reduction of speeds by physical speed control devices,

e.g. humps, rumble strips, etc.
Treatments for Local Areas
Prohibition of large vehicles.
6.11.3 Traffic Management for Rural Roads

Objectives:
• Capacity – (if capacity is a problem then add auxiliary lanes)
• Safety – consistent level of safety along the road is
important (driver’s perception of relative safety)
• Quality of service – generally linked to safety
6.12 Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)

Most prominent categories are:

Advanced Traveller Information Systems (ATIS)
Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS)
ITS – Enabled Transportation Pricing Systems
Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS)
Vehicle–to–Infrastructure Integration (V2I) and
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Integrations (V2V)
Advanced Traveller Information Systems (ATIS)

These systems will provide drivers with

information on congestion and alternate
routes navigation and location, and roadway
conditions.
Information will be transferred to drivers
through audio and visual means.
Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS)

Concerned with the overall

management of traffic
These systems permit real
time adjustment of traffic
control systems
Eg., Variable message signs
for driver advice
Real time data monitoring
and data management
capabilities are vital

(The housemates 2015)

Example-Speed activated signs
Flash speed limits at
drivers exceeding the
speed limits
Effective at reducing
accidents along dangerous
stretches of road
Guidance is to use it as a
last resort
ITS – Enabled Transportation Pricing Systems

The aim is to
minimise delays in
the collection of
road tolls, and
hence to reduce
traffic congestion.
Electronic toll
collection (ETC)
Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS)

Automatic vehicle location,

whether bus or rail, to report
their current location, making it
possible for traffic operations
managers to construct a real-
time view of the status of all
assets
Benefits for the public transport
user include the minimisation of Real-time fleet information
delays, ticketing convenience,
improved security, and precise
and up to date route and
schedule information.
Vehicle–to–Infrastructure Integration (V2I) and
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Integrations (V2V)

These integrations are

typical visionary for a
comprehensively
integrated intelligent
transportation system

Australia's first driverless

shuttle bus is being
trialled along the
foreshore in South Perth
on 31 August 2016.

Source: ABC News 2016 (supplied by RAC WA)

Driverless vehicle

In 2017, USQ Springfield students were able to travel on a driverless shuttle

bus as part of a six-day autonomous vehicle trial at Springfield Central.
Level of Automation

http://advi.org.au/driverless-technology/
Benefits from ITS applications
ITS brings significant benefits including:
improve the operational performance of the
transportation network, particularly by reducing
congestion
increasing commuters’ safety
enhancing personal mobility and convenience
delivering environmental benefits, and
boosting productivity and expanding economic
growth.
Potential safety risk of ITS
Lead drivers to change their behaviour in ways not
intended by the system designers or implementers,
such unintended negative effects include:
Risky and compensatory behaviour
Over-reliance
Attention overload
Diminished attention or driver underload
Distraction
Challenges to ITS implementation
There are a number of challenges that need to
be resolved before ITS can be successfully
implemented:
Improving acceptance
Building supporting infrastructure
Ensuring technical reliability
Coordination, cooperation and
interoperability
References
1. Austroads 2015, Guide to Traffic Management Part 1: Introduction to
Traffic Management, Austroads, Sydney
2. Austroads, 2017a, Guide to Traffic Management Part 5: Road
Management, Austroads, Sydney
3. Austroads, 2017b, Guide to Traffic Management Part 6: Intersections,
Interchanges and Crossings, Austroads, Sydney
End Module 6