Development and Field Testing of Platoon Identification and Accommodation System

Abstract

This paper describes the development and initial field testing of an intelligent traffic control system for identifying and progressing platoons at isolated traffic signals on signalized arterials. This system uses advance detection to obtain real-time information about the presence and speeds of individual vehicles. Its algorithm identifies whether a platoon—of a user-specified minimum size and density—is approaching the signal and estimates platoon arrival time at the stop bar. When warranted, the system issues a low-priority preemption signal to progress the detected platoon. Duration of the initial preemption signal is based on estimated arrival and departure times for the smallest acceptable platoon and the estimated time needed to clear any queues present at the signal. Then, the system switches to an extension mode and provides progression to any additional vehicles determined to be in the platoon. It accomplishes that by increasing preemption time until no more vehicles are determined to be in the platoon or until the max timer expires. The system also ensures that the last progressed vehicle is not trapped in its dilemma zone. The platoon identification and accommodation system can be implemented by retrofitting existing National Electrical Manufacturers Association cabinets.