The Synchronization of Traffic Signals for Minimum Delay.

In order to ascertain whether neighboring intersections can be effectively coupled on the basis of traffic behavior, observational information on vehicular platoons was collected at four sites in London, England. This information is analyzed with particular emphasis on the phasing or synchronization of neighboring inter-sections for minimum delay. At each of the four sites studied, arrival time data was collected at four positions downstream from the signalized intersection from which the vehicular platoons were emerging. This data gives a measure of how platoons diffuse as they move from one intersection to the next. The analysis indicates that the diffusion process can be taken into account in the setting of signals. In particular, total delay in vehicle-hours per hour of green as a function of offset time is calculated, and in turn, the optimal offset time that would minimize delay is shown to be a linear function of the distance from the issuing traffic signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]