Traffic incidents are non-recurring events that can cause a temporary reduction in roadway capacity. They have been recognized as a major contributor to traffic congestion on our national highway systems. To alleviate their impacts on capacity, automatic incident detection (AID) has been applied as an incident management strategy to reduce the total incident duration. AID relies on an algorithm to identify the occurrence of incidents by analyzing real-time traffic data collected from surveillance detectors. Significant research has been performed to develop AID algorithms for incident detection on freeways; however, similar research on major arterial streets remains largely at the initial stage of development and testing. This dissertation research aims to identify design strategies for the deployment of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based AID algorithm for major arterial streets. A section of the US-1 corridor in Miami-Dade County, Florida was coded in the CORSIM microscopic simulation model to generate data for both model calibration and validation. To better capture the relationship between the traffic data and the corresponding incident status, Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and data normalization were applied to the simulated data. Multiple ANN models were then developed for different detector configurations, historical data usage, and the selection of traffic flow parameters. To assess the performance of different design alternatives, the model outputs were compared based on both detection rate (DR) and false alarm rate (FAR). The results show that the best models were able to achieve a high DR of between 90% and 95%, a mean time to detect (MTTD) of 55-85 seconds, and a FAR below 4%. The results also show that a detector configuration including only the mid-block and upstream detectors performs almost as well as one that also includes a downstream detector. In addition, DWT was found to be able to improve model performance, and the use of historical data from previous time cycles improved the detection rate. Speed was found to have the most significant impact on the detection rate, while volume was found to contribute the least. The results from this research provide useful insights on the design of AID for arterial street applications.

Weaving is defined as the crossing of two or more traffic streams traveling in the same direction along a significant length of the highway without the aid of traffic control devices . The traditional methods used for design and operational analysis of a highway is the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). The traditional weaving methods in the highway capacity manual use road geometry and traffic volume as inputs and provide an estimate of speed as an output. CORSIM is a new computer simulation model developed by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for simulation of traffic behavior on integrated urban transportation networks of freeway and surface streets. The intent of this research is to identify the difference in the results by using the new CORSIM simulation and the traditional HCM approach in modeling the weaving sections on a freeway and make recommendations. The research will also compare the modeling strategy and provide analysis of the output. / Master of Science

Traffic simulation is a powerful tool that provides transportation engineers with the ability to test the feasibility and performance of a system before it is implemented and also helps in optimizing the proposed system. Over the past twenty years significant amount of work has been conducted on improving the quality and accuracy of transportation simulation models. Much of this work has been concentrated on microscopic simulation models because they provide traffic engineers greater opportunity to examine the inherently complex, stochastic, and dynamic nature of transportation systems when compared to traditional macroscopic models. In order to test the performance of some of the simulation models, a study is conducted on freeway weaving sections, which are considered to be one of the most complex regions to be modeled and analyzed. The intent of the research is to evaluate TRANSIMS, CORSIM, VISSIM and INTEGRATION and compare them with Highway Capacity Manual, which adopts a traditional methodology for carrying out the operational analysis of a highway system. The statistics collected for the simulation runs include weaving speeds, non-weaving speeds and density of the weaving section. / Master of Science

Neste trabalho são investigados alguns aspectos relacionados com a programação de tempos de semáforos isolados. A seguir são comentados os principais resultados obtidos. Os valores obtidos na cidade de São Carlos são os seguintes: tempo médio total (no início e no final) perdido no verde mais amarelo por fase veicular nos semáforos igual a 3,12 s (interseção em nível e fluxo sem conversão); velocidade média dos pedestres na travessia em semáforos igual a 1,28 m/s e velocidade correspondente ao 85 percentil igual a 1,00 m/s. Com exceção de alguns casos especiais, os valores do atraso fornecidos pelos métodos: Webster, HCM-2000, Simulador Integration e Simulador Corsim são da mesma magnitude e, portanto, perfeitamente viáveis de serem utilizados nos estudos práticos. Na determinação dos tempos que compõem a fase destinada à travessia de pedestres em semáforos, os métodos Ferraz e MUTCD são mais indicados que os métodos Webster/Denatran e CET-SP, uma vez que proporcionam adequada segurança sem \"assustar\" os pedestres e com o mínimo de prejuízo à capacidade do fluxo veicular. O emprego de fase exclusiva para pedestres em semáforos com duas fases veiculares leva aos seguintes acréscimos aproximados nos valores do atraso médio dos veículos: 40% para fluxos veiculares até 1000 v/h, 25% para fluxos veiculares da ordem de 1100 v/h e 20% para fluxos veiculares da ordem de 1200 v/h. / In this research some aspects related to time programming of single traffic lights are investigated. The main results are commented as follows. The values obtained in the city of São Carlos are: total average lost time (in the beginning and in the end) in the green and yellow phases in each vehicular signal phase equal to 3.12 s (level intersection and flow without conversion), pedestrians average speed on the traffic lights crossing equal to 1.28 m/s and speed corresponding to the 85º percentile equal to 1.00 m/s. Except for some special cases, the values of the delay provided by the Webster, HCM-2000, Simulator Integration and Simulator Corsim methods are of the same magnitude and, therefore, they are perfectly feasible to use in practical studies. In determining the periods of the pedestrian crossing stage for the traffic signals, the Ferraz and MUTCD methods are more indicated than the Webster/Denatran and CET-SP methods, since they provide appropriate safety without \"scaring\" the pedestrians and with minimal damage to the vehicular flow capacity. The use of exclusive pedestrian phase at two vehicular stage signals leads to the following approximate increases in the values of the vehicles average delay: 40% to vehicle flow up to 1000 v/h, 25% for vehicle flow about 1100 v/h, and 20% for vehicle flow about 1200 v/h. In this research some aspects related to time programming of single traffic lights are investigated.

Neste trabalho são investigados alguns aspectos relacionados com a programação de tempos de semáforos isolados. A seguir são comentados os principais resultados obtidos. Os valores obtidos na cidade de São Carlos são os seguintes: tempo médio total (no início e no final) perdido no verde mais amarelo por fase veicular nos semáforos igual a 3,12 s (interseção em nível e fluxo sem conversão); velocidade média dos pedestres na travessia em semáforos igual a 1,28 m/s e velocidade correspondente ao 85 percentil igual a 1,00 m/s. Com exceção de alguns casos especiais, os valores do atraso fornecidos pelos métodos: Webster, HCM-2000, Simulador Integration e Simulador Corsim são da mesma magnitude e, portanto, perfeitamente viáveis de serem utilizados nos estudos práticos. Na determinação dos tempos que compõem a fase destinada à travessia de pedestres em semáforos, os métodos Ferraz e MUTCD são mais indicados que os métodos Webster/Denatran e CET-SP, uma vez que proporcionam adequada segurança sem \"assustar\" os pedestres e com o mínimo de prejuízo à capacidade do fluxo veicular. O emprego de fase exclusiva para pedestres em semáforos com duas fases veiculares leva aos seguintes acréscimos aproximados nos valores do atraso médio dos veículos: 40% para fluxos veiculares até 1000 v/h, 25% para fluxos veiculares da ordem de 1100 v/h e 20% para fluxos veiculares da ordem de 1200 v/h. / In this research some aspects related to time programming of single traffic lights are investigated. The main results are commented as follows. The values obtained in the city of São Carlos are: total average lost time (in the beginning and in the end) in the green and yellow phases in each vehicular signal phase equal to 3.12 s (level intersection and flow without conversion), pedestrians average speed on the traffic lights crossing equal to 1.28 m/s and speed corresponding to the 85º percentile equal to 1.00 m/s. Except for some special cases, the values of the delay provided by the Webster, HCM-2000, Simulator Integration and Simulator Corsim methods are of the same magnitude and, therefore, they are perfectly feasible to use in practical studies. In determining the periods of the pedestrian crossing stage for the traffic signals, the Ferraz and MUTCD methods are more indicated than the Webster/Denatran and CET-SP methods, since they provide appropriate safety without \"scaring\" the pedestrians and with minimal damage to the vehicular flow capacity. The use of exclusive pedestrian phase at two vehicular stage signals leads to the following approximate increases in the values of the vehicles average delay: 40% to vehicle flow up to 1000 v/h, 25% for vehicle flow about 1100 v/h, and 20% for vehicle flow about 1200 v/h. In this research some aspects related to time programming of single traffic lights are investigated.

Interstate highways are one of the most important components of the transportation infrastructure in America. Freeway ramps play an important role in the whole interstate transportation system. This paper researches the traffic flow characteristics of four typical exit ramps in USA, which are tapered one-lane exit, tapered two-lane exit, parallel one-lane exit and parallel two-lane exit. Computer simulation software, such as CORSIM and HCS are applied as the main tools in this research. ANOVA and Tukey are used for statistical purpose. It compares the maximum capacity, average running speed and the total lane change number of those four exit ramps. It is found that no matter in terms of traffic discharging rate or total lane charging number; the tapered two-lane exit has the best operational performance. Tapered one-lane exit ramp has the least capacity. Parallel one-lane exit and parallel two-lane exit have very limited traffic operational difference in terms of capacity and running speed. It is recommended that parallel two-lane exit ramp should not be designed along the freeway if the right of way along arterial road is enough. It is observed from the simulation data that the grade of freeway, truck percentage, restricted to the truck use of certain lane(s) and the location of exit sign have significant impact on the running speed and total lane change number. An uphill can decrease the running speed dramatically while more truck brings more lane change, causing safety concerns. It is found that when trucks are restricted to the right two most lane, there will be less lane change number comparing with trucks are not restricted. Location of exit sign operates well at the distance between 4000 ft to 5000 ft. does have a significant impact on the operational speed and total lane change number before, within or after functional area of an exit, based on the data analysis of simulation runs.

The City of Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick, located in eastern Canada. Right-turn-on-red (RTOR) is a general practice at any traffic intersection in this maritime province. Many collisions between pedestrians and vehicles have been recorded at signalized intersections in the downtown area of the city. Due to the number of collisions, the City of Fredericton was interested in investigating how a restriction against RTOR could affect vehicular traffic. The purpose and goal of this project was to develop a calibrated traffic model of the downtown area of Fredericton that could be used for simulation studies. Two main changes were investigated: 1) a restriction against RTOR for each of eleven key intersections in the downtown area, and 2) a restriction against left-turns at one selected intersection. The traffic simulation model was also used for analyzing how factors such as pedestrian volumes, lane channelization, and turning proportions affect the changes in traffic conditions due to permitting, or prohibiting, right-turn-on-red. The traffic simulation model was created in the TSIS/CORSIM software. Several different scenarios were generated for analysis. The results of the simulation show that the traffic conditions in the whole downtown area will be affected when introducing a restriction against RTOR. Certain intersections show a relatively high change while others show no significant change at all. Several different factors were seen to affect the number of RTOR that could be performed at an intersection. One main factor was lane channelization. With a shared lane, the proportion of right-turning vehicles at the intersection was found to highly affect how many RTOR can be performed. Pedestrian volumes prove to be a third factor affecting the number of RTOR at an intersection. Overall results demonstrate that there are only a few intersections where it is suitable for the City of Fredericton to implement a restriction against RTOR.

There are many traffic simulation modeling packages in existence, some of which are designed specifically for work zone analysis. These packages include, for example QUEWZ, Quick Zone, CORSIM and VISSIM. This research evaluates the capabilities of these simulation packages to determine whether or not these packages produce reasonable impact estimates. The research concludes with a set of recommendations to assist transportation professionals in selecting the most appropriate simulation package for a particular work zone project.

No description available.

Though comparisons of simulation models have been conducted, few investigations have examined in detail the logical differences between models. If the output measures of effectiveness are to be interpreted correctly, it is important that the analyst understand some of the underlying logic and assumptions upon which the results are based. An understanding of model logic and its inherent effect on the results will aid the transportation analyst in the application and calibration of a simulation model. In this thesis, the car-following behavior of the CORSIM and INTEGRATION simulation models are examined in significant detail, and its impact on output results explained. In addition, the thesis presents a calibration procedure for the CORSIM sub-model, FRESIM. Currently, FRESIM is calibrated by ad hoc trial-and-error, or by utilizing empirically developed cross-referencing tables. The literature reveals that the relationship between the microscopic input parameters of the CORSIM model, and the macroscopic parameters of capacity is not understood. The thesis addresses this concern. Finally, the thesis compares the INTEGRATION and CORSIM models in freeway and urban environments. The comparison is unique in that the simulated networks were configured such that differences in results could be identified, isolated, and explained. Additionally, the simplified nature of the test networks allowed for the formulation of analytical solutions. The thesis begins by relating steady-state car-following behavior to macroscopic traffic stream models. This is done so that a calibration procedure for the FRESIM (Pipes) car-following model could be developed. The proposed calibration procedure offers an avenue to calibrate microscopic car-following behavior using macroscopic field measurements that can be easily obtained from loop detectors. The calibration procedure, while it does not overcome the inherent shortcomings of the Pipes model, does provide an opportunity to better calibrate the network FRESIM car-following sensitivity factor to existing roadway conditions. The thesis then reports an observed inconsistency in the link-specific car-following sensitivity factor of the FRESIM model. Because calibration of a network on a link-specific basis is key to an accurate network representation, a correction factor was developed that should be applied to the analytically calculated link-specific car-following sensitivity factor. The application of the correction factor resulted in observed saturation flow rates that were within 5% of the desired saturation flow rates. The thesis concludes with a comparison of the CORSIM and INTEGRATION models for transient conditions. As a result of the various intricacies and subtleties that are involved in transient behavior, the comparisons were conducted by running the models on simple networks where analytical solutions to the problem could be formulated. In urban environments, it was observed that the models are consistent in estimates of delay and travel time, and inconsistent in estimates of vehicle stops, stopped delay, fuel consumption, and emissions. Specifically, it was observed that the NETSIM model underestimates the number of vehicle stops in comparison with INTEGRATION and the analytical formulation. It was also observed that the NETSIM vehicles speed and acceleration profiles are characterized by abrupt accelerations and decelerations. These abrupt movements significantly impact stopped time delay and vehicle emissions estimates. Inconsistencies in emissions estimates can also be attributed to differences in the embedded rate tables of each model. In freeway environments for under-saturated conditions, INTEGRATION returned higher values of travel time and delay, and lower values of average speed than the FRESIM model. These results are consistent with the analytical solution, and can be attributed to the speed-flow relationship of each model. In saturated conditions, when the capacity of the bottleneck is equal to the demand volume, the emergent vehicle behavior of the FRESIM model was observed to be inconsistent with the analytical solution. The FRESIM vehicles were observed to dramatically decelerate upon entering a lower-capacity link. This deceleration behavior led to higher travel time and delay time estimates in FRESIM than in INTEGRATION. In over-saturated conditions, longer queue lengths were observed in FRESIM than in INTEGRATION, resulting in slightly higher travel and delay estimates in the FRESIM model. The reason for the discrepancy in queue lengths is unclear, as the network jam density in each model was equivalent. / Master of Science