Posted on July 14, 2011 10:00 AM
Effect of Traffic Probe Data on Traffic Signal Operations

A factsheet, released by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), examines the effect of traffic probe data on traffic signal operations through the concept of vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) cooperation. With the growing availability of traffic probe data, transportation professionals can improve mobility, safety, and air quality through the optimization of traffic signals along arterial routes. Mobility along arterial routes can be improved by using real-time information to predict traffic, travel time, and number of stopped vehicles. From this data, traffic operators can create ideal traffic signal timing schemes to reduce the amount of delay a driver experiences along arterial routes. Intersection geometry and the ability to detect other vehicles in the area by using connected vehicle data can greatly improve the safety along arterial routes and intersections. The air quality can improve by optimizing signal phasing and timing to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.