Optimizing Urban Traffic Intersections Using Machine Learning Approach

Yash Ingle, Harsh Deshmukh, Atharva Jadhav, Sairaj Bhagat, Prof. Smita Deshmukh

[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
UG Scholar, Terna Engineering College, Nerul Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400706, India

Abstract Turn (RCUT). While traditional traffic

management approaches are common,
As cities face rising traffic congestion, proper optimization of RCUT intersections
delays at signalized intersections have requires advanced technological solutions
become a major issue, increasing travel and expertise. Computer-assisted traffic
times, fuel consumption, and emissions. This optimization becomes imperative to
project proposes an innovative urban traffic provide efficient and reliable traffic flow
control system that optimizes signal management for these unique intersection
timings using Genetic Algorithms (GA) and layouts.
Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The
system dynamically adjusts cycle lengths, This project focuses on developing an
offsets, and splits to minimize Experienced innovative area-wide urban traffic control
Travel Time (ETT), while also considering system specifically tailored for RCUT
queue lengths and stop frequency. The intersections. By leveraging machine
system will be evaluated through numerical learning techniques, we aim to optimize
experiments on benchmark networks, with traffic signal settings to minimize the
adaptability to various intersection layouts overall Experienced Travel Time (ETT) for
and traffic conditions. It aims to provide vehicles navigating these complex
scalable, efficient traffic management intersections. The system will determine
solutions to improve urban mobility and optimal cycle lengths, offsets, and splits for
reduce environmental impact. the various signal phases unique to RCUT
designs, adapting to varying traffic
Keywords: demands during peak and off-peak hours.
Traffic Optimization, Genetic Algorithms,
Particle Swarm Optimization, Machine
Learning, Urban Traffic Control
2. MAIN SECTION-I
1. INTRODUCTION
2.1 Objectives
Urban traffic optimization is essential for
modern cities, and the need for accurate 1. To design an adaptive traffic
and timely signal control is paramount, control system using GA and PSO.
especially for complex intersection
designs like the Restricted Crossing U-
 2. To minimize Experienced Travel offer real-time optimization
Time (ETT) and optimize signal capabilities.
timings. ● Adaptive Signal Systems:
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Advanced methods like SCATS and
system through simulations on SCOOT show promise in dynamic
RCUT intersections. traffic control but face challenges in
scalability for complex
2.2 Problem Statement intersections like RCUT.

1. Urban areas face significant delays 2.4 Observations

at signalized intersections,
resulting in increased travel times,
● Traditional optimization methods
fuel consumption, and emissions.
are not suitable for complex
2. Traditional traffic signal
intersections like RCUT.
optimization methods lack the
adaptability needed for complex ● Machine learning and bio-inspired
intersections like RCUT. algorithms provide promising
3. Existing systems fail to dynamically results in traffic optimization but
adjust signal settings based on real- require robust data preprocessing
time traffic data. and validation.
4. There is a need for an advanced
optimization approach that
addresses these limitations
effectively.

2.3 Existing System 2.5 Novelty Approach

2.5.1 Features of the Novel Approach

● Intelligent Transportation
Systems (ITS): Modern systems
that integrate technologies like ● Dynamic Adaptability: The
sensors and cameras to optimize system continuously adjusts signal
traffic flow dynamically. However, timings based on real-time traffic
they often struggle with complex data. This adaptability ensures
intersection geometries and smoother traffic flow, reduces
require significant infrastructure congestion, and addresses
investment. unexpected surges in traffic
demand effectively.
● Fixed-Time Signal Optimization:
Techniques such as Webster's ● Hybrid Optimization: By
formula are straightforward but combining the global exploration
lack adaptability, leading to capabilities of Genetic Algorithms
inefficiencies during dynamic (GA) with the precise local
traffic patterns, especially during optimization of Particle Swarm
peak hours. Optimization (PSO), the approach
achieves both breadth and
● Simulation-Based Management:
accuracy in solution space
Tools like VISSIM and SUMO
exploration.
provide effective traffic modeling
for analysis but do not inherently ● Scalability: The system is designed
to accommodate various
 intersection layouts, from ● User-Centric Design:
conventional designs to complex Incorporates feedback loops from
geometries like RCUT. This real-time traffic monitoring and
scalability ensures that the solution simulations, refining the predictive
remains viable across diverse models continuously for improved
urban settings. accuracy and responsiveness.
● Environmental Benefits: Reduced
fuel consumption and emissions
are direct outcomes of minimized 3. MAIN SECTION-II
idle times and smoother traffic
3.1 Literature Survey Comparison
flow, contributing to sustainable
urban development.
● Cost-Effectiveness: By utilizing Researc Description Benefits Limitations
machine learning models alongside h paper
existing infrastructure, the system EAAI This paper Achieves BCO is
2022: examines an a computationally
minimizes the need for extensive ecology-based
Ecology- significan intensive,
upgrades, providing an economical traffic signal
Based t especially when
solution for traffic optimization. Traffic optimization reductio applied to large
Signal method using n in fuel and complex
2.5.2 Improved Predictive Analysis Bee Colony
Control consump traffic networks.
Optimization
Using (BCO) to tion and
Bee emission The model needs
● Accurate Modeling: Real-time reduce fuel calibration for
Colony consumption s.
traffic data, combined with specific local
Optimiza and emissions.
historical patterns, allows the tion The approach
Offers an traffic conditions,
system to predict traffic flow with (BCO) is evaluated in
improve which could limit
high precision, enabling proactive VISSIM for ment its
Kragujevac, over generalizability to
signal adjustments.
Serbia, and conventi other cities
● Enhanced Decision-Making: compared to onal without
Advanced machine learning traditional signal adjustments.
models, such as Neural Networks methods like timing
and Decision Trees, identify TRANSYT-7F. methods
patterns in peak-hour traffic, (e.g.,
enabling precise and timely 11.95%
decrease
optimizations. in the
● Integrated Metrics: The system performa
evaluates multiple parameters, nce index
such as queue lengths, number of compare
stops, Experienced Travel Time d to field
timings).
(ETT), and emission levels,
ensuring comprehensive traffic
management.
● Proactive Optimization:
Predictive analytics anticipate
congestion trends and implement
signal adjustments ahead of time,
reducing delays and maintaining
steady traffic flow.
Research Description Benefits Limitations Research Descripti Benefits Limitations
paper paper on
Pre-timed This paper BCO The method A Study on Provides a GAs can GAs may converge
Control for focuses on provides focuses on Genetic comprehe find prematurely to local
Isolated optimizing high-quality isolated Algorithm nsive optimal or optima rather than
Intersection: traffic signal solutions intersections, and its overview near- global optima,
A Bee Colony timing at with limiting its Applications of genetic optimal especially for deceptive
isolated negligible algorithm solutions problems
Optimization applicability to
intersections in processing s (GAs)
Approach more complex for
both under- times. and their Designing an
network applicatio complex,
and over- appropriate fitness
saturated scenarios. ns in multi-
Effective in dimension function can be
conditions. It both under- various challenging for complex
uses Bee fields al
saturated problems
Colony and over- It requires Discusses problems
Optimization saturated accurate traffic in detail The performance of
(BCO) to data to the core GAs are
traffic GAs can be sensitive to
minimize calibrate the GA adaptive
conditions. parameter settings
average control model, which operators: and work
well for (population size,
delay by may not always selection,
changing mutation rate, etc.)
determining be available. crossover,
optimal cycle and environm
and phase mutation ents,
lengths for Explores making
smoother different them
traffic flow. selection suitable
methods
for
like
dynamic
roulette
wheel, optimizati
rank, and on
elitism problems
selection
Can
Examines
applicatio handle
ns of GAs large
in diverse search
areas such spaces
as image efficiently
processin without
g, requiring
optimizati derivative
on, and informatio
machine n
learning
Research Description Benefits Limitations Research Description Benefits Limitations
paper paper
This study BCO The complexity of
TRR 2021: tackles significantl superstreet designs Developm This paper Reduces Focuses
Fixed-Time fixed-time y reduces adds more variables, ent and proposes a average primarily on
Traffic traffic travel increasing the Simulation traffic waiting time cross-
Control at control at times difficulty of
of control and intersections,
Superstree superstreet compared optimization.
to High computational Adaptive system improves which may limit
t intersectio Traffic using the traffic flow the system’s
traditional effort is required due
Intersectio ns,
approaches to the number of Light Artificial efficiency at effectiveness in
ns Using optimizing
like the variables involved in Controller Bee Colony intersection more complex
Bee Colony cycle Webster optimizing cycle
Optimizati lengths, Using (ABC) s. road networks.
method. lengths, splits, and Artificial algorithm to
on (BCO) green splits, Effective offsets for multiple
Bee adjust green Adapts to Requires
and offsets for intersections.
Colony light real-time sensors and
to minimize superstreet
travel Algorithm durations traffic additional
intersectio
times. Bee ns, (2017) based on conditions, infrastructure
Colony reducing real-time enhancing to detect real-
Optimizatio conflict traffic the system's time traffic
n (BCO) points and responsiven data, which
conditions.
was used improving ess to might not be
safety. A MATLAB
and simulation fluctuating readily
compared demand. available in all
shows the
with regions.
system
traditional
methods effectively
like the reduces
Webster average
approach. waiting time
by
responding
to queue
lengths and
vehicle flow.
Research Description Benefits Limitations Research Description Benefits Limitations
paper paper

This paper The system The Traffic This paper PSO The study is limited
reviews the improves system's Signal discusses exhibits to arterial traffic
Intelligent implementati traffic flow performanc Control optimizing higher scenarios and does
Traffic on of an and reduces e relies Based on traffic accuracy not consider other
System intelligent congestion by heavily on Particle signal and faster factors like
Using traffic analyzing the Swarm control convergen pedestrian flow or
Machine system (ITS) real-time data availability Optimizati using ce when multi-modal
Learning using to adjust of large- on (PSO) Particle compared transport
Technique machine traffic signal scale, high- Swarm to the GA integration.
s: A learning timings quality Optimizati method,
Review techniques dynamically. traffic The algorithm
on (PSO) significantl
like datasets for for a mixed y reducing performance is
Convolutiona It also training, tested in a
traffic total
l Neural prioritizes which can simplified
environme system
Networks emergency be a environment and
nt with delay.
(CNNs), vehicles, limitation may not address
cars and
Support reducing in areas It is complex real-world
scooters.
Vector response with suitable traffic dynamics
The PSO
Machines times and limited for real- fully
algorithm
(SVMs), and improving data. time
is applied
Random public optimizati
to control
Forests. The safety.Integrat Hardware on in
traffic
system uses ion with IoT optimizatio cloud-
signals at
real-time and cloud n and real- based
multiple
data from computing time traffic
intersectio
sensors and enables performanc manageme
ns, and its
cameras to scalability and e are nt systems,
performan
optimize real-time data critical which
ce is
traffic flow, analysis, challenges, helps
compared
prioritize allowing for especially coordinate
with
emergency comprehensiv when signal
Genetic
vehicles, and e traffic scaling the timings
Algorithm
provide management system for across
(GA)
traffic solutions large cities different
methods.
updates. across large urban
urban areas. areas.
Research Description Benefits Limitations Research paper Description Benefits Limitations
paper
This paper Reduces Focuses
Proposes a Provides Makes some proposes a average primarily on
real-time adaptive simplifying Development and traffic waiting cross-
traffic signal signal assumptions Simulation of control time and intersections
control timing about traffic Adaptive Traffic system improve , which may
Time Light Controller
Optimizati system using based on behavior
Using Artificial
using the s traffic limit the
on for genetic real-time (e.g., fixed Artificial flow system’s
algorithms traffic cycle length, Bee Colony Bee Colony efficienc effectiveness
Traffic Algorithm (2017)
Signal for conditions, no unnatural (ABC) y at in more
Control optimizing improving traffic algorithm intersect complex
Using signal overall situations) to adjust ions. road
Genetic timings intersectio green light networks.
Limited to Adapts
Algorithm Develops a n durations
traffic efficiency optimizing based on to real- Requires
emulator in Shows an isolated real-time time sensors and
Java to significant intersection traffic traffic additional
rather than conditio infrastructur
model performan conditions.
a network of ns, e to detect
dynamic ce A MATLAB
traffic improvem intersection simulation enhanci real-time
conditions ent (21.9% s Relies on shows the ng the traffic data,
accurate system's which might
at an increase in system
real-time responsi not be
isolated vehicle effectively
surveillance veness readily
four-way throughpu reduces
intersection t) over data, which average to available in
Implements fixed-time may be waiting fluctuati all regions.
challenging ng
a GA in signals time by
MATLAB to Offers a to obtain in responding demand.
practice
optimize flexible to queue
green time framework lengths
extensions that can and vehicle
based on potentially flow.
real-time incorporat
traffic e
surveillance additional
data optimizati
on
parameter
s
Research Description Benefits Limitations Genetic Algorithm (GA): GA was more
paper effective in handling unbalanced traffic loads,
such as when the load on bridges and
highways differed significantly. Its exploration
The This study Emphasize Concentrate
of a broader solution space allowed it to find
Design of discusses s the s on
better results in these complex scenarios,
Intelligent the design, importanc incident
although this came at the cost of potentially
Traffic developmen e of user- managemen
higher variability.
Manageme t, and centered t, which
nt System evaluation design in may not While GA is typically considered more robust
with User- of a user developin cover all in diverse scenarios, PSO emerged as the
Centered interface for g effective aspects of better choice in this specific case due to its
Approach traffic traffic traffic signal stable performance under balanced traffic
(2000) incident manageme optimizatio conditions. BCO, though simpler, didn’t
managemen nt n. capture the complexity of the traffic dynamics
t systems, interfaces. as effectively as PSO and GA, making it the
focusing on least preferred model for this problem
user-
centered
design
principles.
3.3 Novel Approach

3.2 FIGURES AND TABLES 1.BCO

Bee Colony Optimization (BCO): BCO ● High Variability: There is notable

produced consistent results across different variability in the predicted values, particularly
scenarios but lacked the adaptability seen in in the mid-range outputs. For example, some
PSO and GA. It was less responsive to nuanced predictions vary from as low as 11 to as high
traffic conditions, making it less suitable in as 110, indicating that BCO might be capturing
situations where the traffic pattern is complex the wide range of potential traffic conditions,
or highly dynamic. but also possibly overemphasizing extreme
scenarios.
Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO): PSO
performed better in scenarios where traffic 2.Genetic Algorithm
conditions were balanced. It managed to avoid
issues with local optima, which can be a
common challenge in other cases, leading to
stable and consistent outputs.
 traffic flow, reduces congestion,
and addresses unexpected surges
in traffic demand effectively.
● Hybrid Optimization: By
combining the global exploration
capabilities of Genetic Algorithms
(GA) with the precise local
Genetic Algorithm (GA) is an evolutionary optimization of Particle Swarm
optimization technique inspired by the Optimization (PSO), the approach
process of natural selection. It mimics the achieves both breadth and
principles of genetics and evolution to find accuracy in solution space
optimal solutions by evolving a population of exploration.
candidate solutions over generations. GA uses ● Scalability: The system is designed
mechanisms such as selection, crossover, and
to accommodate various
mutation to explore the solution space and
intersection layouts, from
converge on optimal or near-optimal
conventional designs to complex
solutions.
geometries like RCUT. This
scalability ensures that the solution
remains viable across diverse
urban settings.
3.PSO ● Environmental Benefits: Reduced
fuel consumption and emissions
are direct outcomes of minimized
idle times and smoother traffic flow,
contributing to sustainable urban
development.
● Cost-Effectiveness: By utilizing
machine learning models alongside
existing infrastructure, the system
minimizes the need for extensive
The cycle lengths (C) vary across iterations, upgrades, providing an
ranging from 60 to 86 seconds.This variability ● economical solution for traffic
suggests that the PSO algorithm is exploring optimization.
different cycle lengths to find the optimal one
for minimizing traffic delay.

3.3 Novel Approach 4. CONCLUSION

Features of the Novel Approach This project successfully developed an

innovative urban traffic control system
● Dynamic Adaptability: The system aimed at optimizing signal timings at
continuously adjusts signal timings intersections using advanced
based on real-time traffic data. This metaheuristic techniques such as Genetic
Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm
adaptability ensures smoother
Optimization (PSO). The system
significantly reduced the overall 3. Lo, K., & Tung, S. (2014). Traffic
Experienced Travel Time (ETT) and signal control based on particle
improved traffic flow efficiency across swarm optimization. 2014 IEEE
multiple scenarios. By incorporating both International Conference on
GA's global search and PSO's local Intelligent Transportation Systems
refinement, the hybrid approach provided (ITSC), 1-12.
robust and adaptive solutions capable of
handling varying traffic demands, 4. Shami, T. M., & El-Saleh, A. A.
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Survey. International Journal of
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with traditional methods like Webster's 2(2), 4-6.
formula and other optimization
techniques, the hybrid model 5. Jovanović, A., Nikolić, M., &
demonstrated superior performance in Teodorović, D. (2017). Area-wide
minimizing delays, stops, and urban traffic control: A Bee Colony
environmental impacts. Moreover, the Optimization approach.
scalability and adaptability of the system Transportation Research Part C:
make it a practical solution for real-world Emerging Technologies, 77, 329–
urban traffic management. This project 350.
serves as a stepping stone for further
research into adaptive, AI-driven traffic 6. Jovanović, A., & Teodorović, D.
control systems that can be tailored to (2021). Multi-objective
specific city needs, ultimately contributing optimization of a single
to smarter, more sustainable urban intersection. Transportation
transport networks. Planning and Technology, 44(1),
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7. Lingaraj, H., Madhubala, T., &

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