Estimating Queue Lengths by Using SIGNAL94, SYNCHRO3, TRANSYT-7F, PASSER II-90, and CORSIM

Abstract

A variety of programs are available to aid transportation engineers in their evaluation of signalized intersection operations. One measure of effectiveness—queue length—is examined. The methods used to estimate queue length, which often are not readily available, are documented for five programs; the definition used by each is clarified; and the queue length estimate of each program is compared with field data from six intersections in Denver, Colorado. Of the programs studied, three produced reasonable results 70 to 85 percent of the time—CORSIM, TRANSYT-7F, and SIGNAL94. PASSER II-90 results are reasonable 50 percent of the time. SYNCHRO3 produces reasonable results 50 percent or 85 percent of the time, depending on the queue estimation desired. The queue length estimates for high, medium, and low volume-to-capacity ratio conditions, for all programs, are also documented.