Dynamic Phase Signal Control Method for Unstable Asymmetric Traffic Flow at Intersections

Abstract

This paper addresses the limitations that the phases proposed in variable phase sequencing studies for stochastic traffic flow are all predetermined and that the variable phase sequencing is only suitable for low traffic volume environment. It presents a dynamic phase signal control method for unstable asymmetric traffic flow with two primary operational objectives: the realization of a dynamic phase scheme in each cycle and optimization of signal control parameters. First, an asymmetric state of traffic flow at signalized intersections is defined, rules governing the generation of the dynamic phase of each cycle based on asymmetric state are proposed, and the delay variations of intersections adopting dynamic phase schemes are modeled. Next, a signal control parameter adjustment algorithm for the dynamic phase is constructed to maximize the positive benefits of delay variation. Last, the operational performance of the proposed method is validated using data collected from an intersection in Harbin, China, by VISSIM simulation. Furthermore, it is found that a higher asymmetric coefficient leads to lower efficiency of a symmetrical release phase scheme at intersections, and the increase of average delay becomes significant when the asymmetric coefficient threshold is greater than 0.2.