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TRAFFIC ENGINEERING CEC 411-1
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING CEC 411-1
characteristics will vary both by location and time corresponding to the changes in the human behavior.
There are three main variables to visualize a tra ffic stream: speed (v), density (indicated k; the number of vehicles per unit of
space), and flow (indicated q; the number of vehicles per unit of time).
Speed
Speed is the distance covered per unit of time. One cannot track the speed of every vehicle; so, in practice, average speed is
measured by sampling vehicles in a given area over a period of time. Two definitions of average speed are identified:
Time mean speed
Space mean speed
Time mean speed: is measured at a reference point on the roadway over a period of time. In practice, it is measured by the
use of loop detectors. Loop detectors, when spread over a reference area, can identify each vehicle and can track its speed.
However, average speed measurements obtained from this method are not accurate because instantaneous speeds averaged
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over several vehicles do not account for the difference in travel time for the vehicles that are traveling at different speeds over
the same distance.
Space mean speed: is measured over the whole roadway segment. Consecutive pictures or video of a roadway segment track
the speed of individual vehicles, and then the average speed is calculated. It is considered more accurate than the time mean
speed. The data for space calculating space mean speed may be taken from satellite pictures, a camera, or speed is calculated.
It is considered more accurate than the time mean speed. The data for space calculating space mean speed may be taken from
satellite pictures, a camera or both.
Density
Density (k) is defined as the number of vehicles per unit length of the roadway. In tra ffic flow, the two most important
densities are the critical density (kc) and jam density (kj). The maximum density achievable under free flow is kc, while kj is
the maximum density achieved under congestion. In general, jam density is five times the critical density. Inverse of density is
spacing (s), which is the center- to-center distance between two vehicles.
TERMINAL
A terminal is an area or location which serves as a pathway for handling transport process (loading and/or unloading cargo)
or it can also act as a transfer point for passengers. Any of the places where goods are loaded or unloaded onboard a
vessel/vehicle for transport is referred to as a terminal.
FUNCTIONS OF TERMINAL
Connectivity. Transport terminals provide connectivity within a modal transport network as they are the only
locations from which a network can be entered or exited. For instance, subway stations are the connecting nodes of
a transit network, while ports and airports are the connecting nodes within maritime and air networks.
Interface. Transport terminals provide an interface between transport modes, enabling passengers and cargo to
transit. Ports and airports are interface points between maritime or air and land transport systems.
Buffer. Transport terminals provide a buffer between the different capacities and frequencies of the transport modes they
connect, such as a port for maritime and land transportation systems. A containership carrying thousands of containers may
call a port once every two days, while trucks carrying single containers may come in and out of the terminal every few
minutes. A similar analogy applies to airports that act as buffers between the various levels of service of land transport
systems and the scheduling of air services.
Bus stop
A bus stop is a place where buses stop for passengers to get on and off the bus. The construction of bus stops tends to reflect
the level of usage, where stops at busy locations may have shelters, seating, and possibly electronic passenger information
systems; less busy stops may use a simple pole and flag to mark the location. Bus stops are, in some locations, clustered
together into transport hubs allowing interchange between routes from nearby stops and with other public transpor t modes to
maximize convenience.
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For operational purposes, there are three main kinds of stops:
Scheduled stops, at which the bus should stop irrespective of demand.
Request stops (or flag stop), at which the vehicle will stop only on request.
Hail and ride stops, at which a vehicle will stop anywhere along the designated section of road on request.
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PARKING FACILITIES
There are several types of parking facilities that cater to different needs and contexts. Parking facilities can be indoor and outdoor,
public or private. It can be a parking garage or a parking space that belongs to the property of a person’s house.
Here are some common types of parking facilities:
1. Parking Lots: Parking lots are open areas designated for parking vehicles. They are often found adjacent to buildings,
shopping centers, recreational facilities, or public spaces. Parking lots can vary in size, ranging from small lots with a few
parking spaces to large lots that can accommodate hundreds or even thousands of vehicles. They can be paved or
unpaved and may offer different types of parking arrangements, such as perpendicular, angle, or diagonal park.
2. Parking Garages: Parking garages, also known as multi-level parking structures or parking decks, are multi-story
buildings specifically designed for parking vehicles. They provide vertical parking space utilization, allowing for a higher
density of parked vehicles. Parking garages are commonly found in urban areas or locations with high parking demand,
such as commercial districts, airports, or hospitals. They often feature ramps or elevators for accessing different levels
and can offer both covered and uncovered parking spaces.
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account for the difference in travel time for the vehicles that are traveling at different speeds over the same distance.
4. Valet Parking: Valet parking facilities provide a higher level of convenience by offering professional parking services. In
valet parking, drivers hand over their vehicles to valet attendants who park the vehicles in designated areas. This service
is commonly found in hotels, restaurants, or event venues, where parking may be limited, and it allows customers to
avoid the hassle of finding a parking space themselves.
5. Smart Parking Systems: Smart parking systems incorporate technology to optimize parking efficiency and improve user
experience. These systems use sensors or cameras to monitor parking space availability and guide drivers to vacant spots.
They may include mobile applications or digital signage to provide real-time information about parking availability,
payment options, and directions. Smart parking systems help reduce traffic congestion and enhance the overall parking
experience.
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Traffic signals are designed to keep traffic flowing in an orderly and efficient manner while helping to ensure both driver and
pedestrian safety as they navigate through intersections. The number of crashes that occur as well as the severity of the crashes can
be reduced when traffic signals are used effectively.
There are many benefits to this type of traffic signal as they can best keep up with traffic flow and help alleviate traffic jams.
These work best in suburban or rural areas where traffic patterns change drastically over the course of the day. The downside to
this type of signal is the upfront and maintenance costs for both the detectors and the control systems.
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keep traffic moving quickly and efficiently. These work by collecting data from detectors like loops embedded into the pavement,
cameras, radar, and connected vehicles, putting this data through their algorithms, and then adjusting traffic signals in real-time
while also using the data to predict future traffic patterns.
The largest benefit of ATCS is how quickly they can adapt to handle real-time traffic issues. One of their best features is their
ability to detect emergency vehicles, changing signals to allow the vehicles to move quickly and safely through the intersection.
They can also adapt depending on the types of traffic moving through the area at any given time, such as different types of
vehicles, cyclists, public transit, and pedestrians.
Apart from the main benefit of optimizing traffic to maintain safety and efficiency, smart traffic signals can also prioritize
different traffic like emergency vehicles, public transportation, and pedestrians. They can even lengthen their traffic signal times
to ensure longer vehicles like buses or trams can make it through an intersection safely.
The two largest challenges for smart traffic signals are costs and maintenance. Between the sensors and control systems, the
upfront cost is substantially higher than more basic traffic systems, and maintenance is necessary to keep everything working
properly over time. The benefits tend to outweigh the costs, however.
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Fixed-Time Traffic Signals Actuated Traffic Signals Smart Traffic Signals
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The Intersection near a Grade Crossing signal warrant is intended for use at a location where none of the conditions described in
the other eight signal warrants are met, but the proximity to the intersection of a grade crossing on an intersection approach
controlled by a STOP or YIELD sign is the principal reason to consider installing a traffic signal.
The Roadway Network signal warrant is intended for application where installing a traffic control signal might be justified to
encourage concentration and organization of traffic flow on a roadway network.
Technical Terms
Before getting into the Webster method, it is important to understand some of the technical terms related to traffic signals as
discussed further.
Cycle Length
Traffic signal works on the time-sharing principle. Cycle length is the time taken to complete one full cycle of the signal at an
intersection. For instance, it is the time taken for a signal to go from red, yellow, green, and then come back to the red signal.
Change Interval
Change interval is the amount of time for the yellow signal. The yellow time is also called the amber time. Amber time can be
calculated using simple formula as explained below.
In the above case, as the vehicle can see the amber signal from its stopping sight distance, so, the vehicle can slow down and come
to halt before the signal turns red.
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But in the above case, the signal is amber only after the vehicle crosses its stopping sight distance. Therefore,
sufficient time must be provided so that the vehicle can pass the signal without any disturbance.
The distance needed to be traveled by the vehicle is the summation of the stopping sight distance (SSD) of the
vehicle, length of the carriageway (W), and length of the vehicle (L). Now, the amber time is found as,
Clearance Interval
Clearance interval is the amount of time for pedestrians to cross and extra time for vehicles to clear the intersection.
Phase
Phase is the number of paths crossing at an intersection. For example, in a four-armed intersection, the number of
phases is also four. It is also given as the summation of the green interval, change, and clearance interval.
Lost Time
In a traffic signal, once the signal is green, the vehicle that is first in queue will take some time to react to the signal
and start moving. The second vehicle will take slightly lesser time than the first vehicle and so on. This time will
decrease and will eventually reach a constant time called the headway.
The extra time in excess of the headway taken by the vehicles upfront the queue is called lost time. Each phase will
have the lost time and needs to be factored in to calculate the optimum cycle length.
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Saturation Flow (s)
Saturation flow is the highest amount of vehicular flow that is possible. It is given as the inverse of headway. If the
headway is in seconds, then the saturation flow is given as,
Saturation flow = 3600/headway in vehicles per hour.
Observed Volume (v)
Observed volume is the actual observed volume of traffic flow that is happening at the intersection. It is also
represented as vehicles per unit time.
Critical Flow Ratio
The critical flow ratio at a phase is the ratio between the observed volumes of flow to the saturation flow occurring
at all the phases of an intersection. It is given as,
Critical flow ratio at ith phase = observed volume / saturation flow = v/s at ith phase
Example Problem
Question: The normal flow of traffic on crossroads A and B are 400 and 250 vehicles per hour respectively. The
saturation of flow for roads A and B are estimated as 1250 and 1000 vehicles per hour respectively. The all-red time
for pedestrians to cross is 12 seconds. Design a two-phase traffic system by Webster's method.
Solution:
By Webster method, Optimum cycle length (Co) = (1.5*L + 5) / (1 - y),
n=2
Lost time = 2 s (usually taken)
All red = 12 s (given)
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L = (n * Lost time at a phase) + All red time
L = (2*2) + 12 = 16
Road A:
Observed volume (va) = 400
Saturation flow (sa) = 1250
Road B:
Observed volume (vb) = 250
Saturation flow (sb) = 1000
Road Markings
Lines and symbols on the road are meant to show the alignment of the roads. Ideally these are reflective so that you
may clearly and safely follow the roads even at night. Road markings also indicate the number of lanes on the road,
where you may overtake other vehicles, which lane to use for turning, and where you must stop for signs or other
traffic signals.
Centre Lines
These are lines in the center of the road to separate traffic proceeding in opposite directions.
Broken Lines
Broken lines are used in areas where there are no restrictions on overtaking, a solid line is painted alongside the
broken line. You may not overtake if the solid line is on your side of the center line.
Edge lines
These are solid lines along the side of the road. They indicate where the edge Is and can be used also as traffic
guidance. An edge line which slants towards the centre of the road forewarns that the road is narrowed ahead. An
edge line may be crossed only by traffic moving to and from the shoulder of the road.
Cross Walk
White solid lines across the road are usually used to denote pedestrian's crosswalks commonly at intersections; you
must stop for pedestrians at cross walks.
Pavement Messages
These are messages or symbols which are lettered or painted on the roads pavement to warn of conditions ahead.
Diagonal Lines
These are painted on the road for protection, to separate traffic or to prevent traffic from turning left. Do not drive on
these areas if you can avoid doing so.
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Zebra Lines
These are used to indicate where pedestrians can cross the roads. You must stop for pedestrians that have stepped on
the lines. In traffic queues leaves pedestrian crossing clear.
Lanes
These are spaces on the road demarcated by lines to guide traffic flow moving in the same or opposite direction.
For traffic in the same direction the lines are normally yellow Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions
are usually white.
Island
Where there is a traffic island on the road. Pass on the right of it unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise.
Traffic Hold-up
In traffic holdup or so called "traffic jams" do not try to "jump the queue by the cutting into another lane or
unauthorized use of siren by overtaking the vehicles waiting in front of you.
Traffic Lights at Junctions
Although green light means you may go, do not go forward if other vehicles ahead are held at a junction. It is
pointless. as you will only contribute towards a solid jam. When the red and amber lights are showing together, you
must stop.
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Rail crossing
Level crossing Space
Never drive "nose to tail' over any level crossing. Never drive on to one unless you can see that the road is clear on
the rail and on the other side. Never stop on or immediately after any level crossing.
Level Crossing with Gates
Some level crossings have gates, or barriers that are operated automatically or by attendant. Some also have flashing
red warning lights. Do not cross the railway once the lights have started to flash or when the gates are being closed.
Level crossing without Gates
At level crossing with no gates, or attendants or warning light, you must stop, look both ways, listen, and make sure
there is no train coming before you cross.
FIRST: Get passengers out of vehicle and away from the level crossing as quickly as possible.
SECOND: Listen carefully for the approach of railway traffic, try and push the vehicle clear of the crossing and
stand well clear of the crossing.
THIRD: If the above attempt proves impossible, making phone call or get in contact with the Signalman.
NOTE: Common sense dictates that where there are sufficient hands around, some could be used to push the vehicle
off the tracks while someone tries to contact the signalman.
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Level crossing AlarmIf you are already crossing when the red light comes on/ļ¬‚ashes and bell starts ringing, keep
going.
Work Zone Devices
The lives of highway construction workers depend on drivers who are expected to obey speed limits in work zones.
If you are convicted of exceeding the speed limit in a highway work zone, the penalty carries heavy fine.
Do not forget, the color orange marks a work zone and means slow down, Vou would also see this sign "SLOW,
MEN AT WORK" at such places.
Flaggers
Flaggers show signs to drivers in work zone areas They wear orange or yellow vest, yellow - green shirt or jacket.
They use "STOP/SHOW" paddles/red flag to direct motorists and to let workers or construction vehicle to cross the
road.
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