Estimation of Performance Metrics at Signalized Intersections Using Loop Detector Data and Probe Travel Times

Abstract

This paper introduces a simple but practical approach that uses both loop detector data and probe travel times for computing the vehicle hours traveled (VHT), average delay, and level of service (LOS) for signalized intersections. The goal is to improve upon the state-of-the-practice method outlined in the highway capacity manual (HCM) by incorporating additional travel time measurements from probe vehicles or vehicle re-identification systems. The proposed methodology is designed to work under a variety of traffic conditions, including states of congestion in which the HCM methodology is not reliable. Our analysis is then tested using simulation of an arterial site in Arcadia, CA, USA. The results suggest that the proposed methodology performs better at the approach level than at the lane group level. Population size and probe penetration rate are two key parameters in the estimation. Either a large population size or a high penetration rate is required in order to produce reliable estimates of VHT, delay, and LOS. Results also show that the proposed methodology only requires 7% of the penetration rate to outperform the HCM methodology.