AbstractsEngineering

Pre-signal study at an at-grade intersection with separate right-turn phase

by Hao Tang




Institution: Stellenbosch University
Department: Civil Engineering
Degree: MScEng
Year: 2015
Keywords: Signalized intersections; Traffic engineering; Right-turn lanes; Traffic signs and signals
Record ID: 1441615
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/96484


Abstract

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Capacity waste happens when right-turn vehicles have right-of-way during a separate right-turn phase and lanes (e.g., through lanes) of the same approach of the intersection cannot discharge vehicles during that green phase. Right-turn traffic consumes the capacity which otherwise could be provided to through traffic movements at an at-grade signalized intersection. Therefore, it is widely considered that it would lower intersection capacity and increase total delay (Lin, Machemehl, Lee & Herman, 1984). The pre-signal strategy proposed in this research is specifically designed to improve this problem. The following aspects of this strategy were studied in this research, - Capacity benefits of this strategy, - Relationships between the capacity and the length of sorting area (the area between the two signals), - Signal timing of both main signal and pre-signal, - Clearance time of the sorting area, - Main signal phasing options - Signal coordination between the main signal and the pre-signal, - Utilization of the sorting area, and - Pre-signal strategy performance in a simulated environment. The results of this study showed that right-turn movement benefits significantly from this pre-signal strategy. For example, right-turn capacity can be doubled if a presignal is installed on one through lane of an approach with one right-turn lane. It was also found, the maximum approach capacity benefit is not affected significantly by the length of the sorting area for a given green period. The optimal green time and the available pre-signal green time for right-turn movement were also derived in this research. Different main signal phasing options were studied and compared. Phasing options which fit the proposed pre-signal strategy were found. Recommended values for right-turn green time of both signals were given based on different lengths of sorting area. The case study, which compared the performance of some critical movements at the intersection with and without the proposed pre-signal system, confirms the results concluded in this study. A potential problem with this strategy when applied at a real intersection is that it may confuse drivers. Drivers need to be educated and will need time to get familiar with this signal control method. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Beskermde regsdraaifases vir verkeer by gelykvlak seinbeheerde kruisings gebruik die kapasiteit wat benut kon word deur deurbewegings. Dit verlaag interseksie kapasiteit en totale oponthoud verhoog. Die voorseinstrategie wat in die navorsing studie voorgestel word is spesifiek ontwikkel om die probleem op te los of te verminder. Die volgende aspekte van die strategie is ondersoek in die navorsingsstudie: - Kapasiteitsvoordele van die strategie. - Die verhouding tussen die kapasiteit en die lengte van die sorteringsarea (die area tussen die twee seine). - Seintydstoedeling van beide die hoofseinfase en die voorseinfase. - Ontruimingstyd van die stoorarea. - Hoofseinfaseopsies. - Seinkoordenasie tussen die…