Dynamic Intersection Signal Control Optimization (DISCO): Numerical Results for Argyle Street

Abstract

This study developed a dynamic traffic control formulation designated as Dynamic Intersection signal Control Optimization (DISCO). DISCO considers the entire Fundamental Diagram as represented by the cell-transmission model, which is essential for controlling congested and transient traffic. As a dynamic model, DISCO works with lime-variant traffic patterns and derives dynamic adaptive timing plans. This study applied DISCO to a congested spot in Argyle Street, Hong Kong, validated DISCO with site measurements, and compared its performance with TRANSYT, a widely used traffic signal control model. Results showed that DlSCO’s output compared well with the site measurements. Tills established DISCO as a reasonable traffic-modeling platform. When used to optimize the liming plans, DISCO outperformed TRANSYT in all the scenarios tested. In some scenarios, DISCO could further reduce delay by as much as 33%. DISCO shows promise as a new approach for demand responsive traffic control.