This Study Develops a Practical Method to Calculate Costs and Benefits of the Implementation of Optimal Signal Timing Plans with Synchro. a Segment

37 INTRODUCTION With the increasing dependency on automobiles and trucks to transport people and goods, signalized traffic control systems become a critical element of a transportation network. Although traffic signals are placed to regulate the flow of vehicles, negative impacts include increased travel time, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. Optimization of signal timing has been recognized as a viable way to improve the efficiency of surface transportation systems. Synchronizing and optimizing signal timing along an arterial or in a network results in smoother traffic flows that increase roadway capacity and reduce delay. A number of previous studies have been identified in which major benefit components are quantified, including reduced travel time, delay, vehicle stops, fuel consumption, or vehicle emissions.1–3 This study develops a practical method that collectively quantifies the benefit of signal optimization on a heavily traveled corridor—Route 23 in northern New Jersey. Analysis of re-optimization of the signal time under different rates of traffic growth is conducted.