A synchronization-constraints-based dual bands method of traffic signal optimization

Abstract

This paper presents a synchronization-constraints-based dual bands method of traffic signal optimization for multiple traffic flows. The synchronization coefficient, traffic volume ratio, synchronization benefit, and their thresholds of traffic flow pair are proposed to select synchronized traffic flow pairs for progression. Then, progression bands of multiple traffic flows can be achieved by merging time windows, combining equivalent phase, and optimizing benefits evaluation index of the synchronized traffic flow pair. The proposed method adopts step-by-step optimization processing, and the combinatorial optimization of signal cycle, phase sequence, and offset is decomposed by performing synchronization and progression. A real-world case is presented to illustrate the application of the proposed method with VISSIM simulations. The results show that compared with the MULTIBAND model and TRANSYT, this method significantly decreased the average delay and average stops along the arterial of the entire traffic system composed of buses and cars.