Traffic Control at Intersection Sites During Reconstruction

Abstract

Microscopic simulation using an efficient microcomputer‐based program is employed in evaluating alternative control strategies for intersections during construction. The program runs on an IBM PC or compatible, is interactive and menu‐driven, and has extensive graphic capabilities for easy data entry and inspection of results. Either four‐way or T‐intersections can be simulated with either all‐way stop sign control or traffic signal control (both actuated and pretimed). Input to the program, entered interactively, includes the geometric configuration, the number of lanes on each approach, lane‐bylane saturation flow rates, vehicle clearance times, and demands. Phasing arrangement and signal timing are entered when signal control is simulated. Delays, stops, and queue sizes are printed after the simulation is completed. If desired, the user can watch vehicle arrivals and departures, queue formation and dissipation, and traffic signal indication changes as the simulation proceeds.