A geometric design method for intersections with pre-signal systems using a phase swap sorting strategy.

Area of Science:

• Traffic Engineering
• Transportation Systems Analysis

Background:

• Conventional pre-signal system design often leads to queue spillbacks or inefficient space use due to fixed traffic demand assumptions.
• Stochastic traffic arrivals complicate geometric design, impacting queue length and spatial utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel geometric design method for pre-signal systems that optimizes spatial utilization while preventing queue spillbacks.
• To balance the need for vehicle storage with efficient road space usage in intersection design.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing queue theory and shockwave theory to model traffic dynamics and determine maximum queue reach.
• Implementing a phase swap strategy for geometric design of pre-signal systems.
• Evaluating effectiveness using VISSIM Signal Control Application Programming Interfaces (SCAPI).

Main Results:

• The proposed design increases pre-signal system spatial utilization by 7.5%.
• Maintained similar levels of vehicle delay, queue length, and flow-to-saturation flow ratio compared to conventional methods.
• Effectively balances storage capacity and spatial efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The phase swap strategy offers an effective geometric design for pre-signal systems.
• This approach improves intersection efficiency by enhancing spatial utilization without compromising traffic flow performance.
• The method provides a robust solution for managing stochastic traffic arrivals at intersections.