A Vehicle-Probe-Based Signal Management Technology with Microscopic Simulation Evaluation

Abstract: Most existing signal control systems utilize fixed-location sensors (e.g., loop detectors or roadside cameras), which are constrained by limited spatial coverage and have relatively high installation and maintenance costs. As an alternative method for vehicle detection and traffic management at signalized intersections, it is possible to use vehicle-probe data, collected from smartphones, navigational aids, GNSS receivers, and other types of mobile devices. In this paper, we propose a cost-effective vehicle-probe-based signal management technology to leverage the widely available probe data for traffic signal control. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we then develop a microscopic simulation to compare its performance to a state-of-the-practice system. A candidate “unbalanced” intersection is identified in the City of Riverside and replicated in a microscopic simulation. The performance of the vehicle-probe-based optimized signal control plan is evaluated under the calibrated traffic demand. The simulation results demonstrated that it significantly reduces the length of the eastbound peak-hour queue from 800 meters to under 50 meters. The average travel time was reduced by 69% for the eastbound and 40% for the westbound, while maintaining a similar level in the northbound and southbound. The vehicles’ emissions were decreased by 32% - 52% due to the mitigation of congestion in the major westbound-eastbound direction, resulting in fewer vehicles being halted in queues. Overall, the proposed vehicle-probe-based signal management technology demonstrated significant potential in enhancing traffic efficiency and reducing environmental impact. It provides a low-cost, scalable and sustainable solution which can be potentially applied to both fixed-time and adaptive signalized intersections.