Optimization of Control Parameters for Adaptive Traffic-Actuated Signal Control

The authors propose a real-time adaptive signal control model that aims to maintain the adaptive functionality of actuated controllers while improving the performance of traffic-actuated control systems. In this model, a flow-prediction algorithm is formulated to estimate the future vehicle arrival flow for each signal phase at the target intersection on the basis of the available signal-timing data obtained from previous control cycles. Optimal timing parameters are determined on the basis of these estimations and are used as signal-timing data for further optimizations. To be consistent with the operation logic of existing signal-control devices, this model is developed to optimize the basic control parameters that can be found in modern actuated controllers. Microscopic simulation is used to test and evaluate the proposed control model in a calibrated network consisting of 38 actuated signals. Simulation results indicate that this model has the potential to improve the performance of the signalized network under different traffic conditions.