Automatic Generation of Timing Plans with High-Resolution Data

A high-resolution (HR) data system for an intersection collects the location (lane), speed, and turn movement of every vehicle as it enters an intersection, together with the signal phase. The system operates 24× 7. The data are available in real time and archived. The archived data are used in a three-step automated procedure to optimize timing plans. In the first step, the data are clustered by day-of-week. In the second step an intra-day segmentation is derived for each cluster. In the third step the optimum green split is determined for each intra-day segment to minimize the delay or to equalize VC ratios. Various intersection performance measures may also be derived. The procedure is illustrated for an intersection in Beaufort, SC. HR systems can also be used to evaluate safety, e.g. red-light and right-turn-on-red violations.