Traffic Adaptive Signal ControlBy Mohammad Smadi The continuous dependence on the automobile as the primary means of mobility has resulted in sharp increases in traffic. Since these increases were not matched by transportation infrastructure enhancements, most urban roadways have inadequate capacities. Even after increasing funding for transportation, environmental restrictions and the difficulty of obtaining lands for right-of-way prohibit any substantial increase in infrastructure capacity. A new approach which emphasizes efficient traffic operations on existing infrastructure may be the optimal alternative. Delay at signalized intersections contributes heavily to traffic congestion. Traffic signal operations often result in unintended traffic delays, even when they are properly designed. However, traffic signals are often neglected after the initial installation, leaving outdated timing plans that fail to meet current traffic patterns. Traffic Adaptive Signal Control offers great opportunities to enhance signal operations without the costly maintenance and updates of traditional signal control systems. The ATAC is currently looking at using Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to develop effective traffic adaptive control systems. This research, focusing on responding to significant surges in traffic volumes, is best suited for managing incidents and special events. Early results from the research conducted with Computer Science at NDSU are promising. Look for a complete description of research findings in upcoming Signals.  The Sunsetters pose for a team photo with their car before the race Gates Basks in Sun in Solar CarUndergraduate Research Assistant Jason Gates, a senior from Mohall, N.D., was part of a team of electrical engineering students at NDSU who collaborated to build and race a solar-powered car. They traveled from Chicago, Illinois to Claremont, California on July 15-25, 2001. The Sunsetters solicited producers of the materials, such as 3M and Optima Batteries which impacted the design aspects before production. The group collected $50,000 in cash and donated materials. The Sunsetters team received the best performing award for the overall rookie team, second place for the Barstow to Claremont leg of the race and fourth place overall in the stock class. They also received the team safety award. ATAC Continues to Offer VISSIM Training
The VISSIM Basic Course was held in Bloomington, Minnesota and Chicago, Illinois in 2001 and received excellent evaluations from participants. The next VISSIM Basic Course will be held in conjunction with the 3rd Annual North American VISSIM User's Group meeting in Corvallis, Oregon in June. ATAC staff are also working on an Advanced Course to be held this fall, possibly at ATAC's training facility in Fargo. Topics for this course will include dynamic assignment, transit operations, hardware-in-the-loop, and TEAPAC interfacing. For more information about how you can attend one of our training sessions, please visit our web site at www.atacenter.org/training/. ATAC Implements New Planning SoftwareThe ATAC hosted a training course on the TP+ Software Model in Fargo in October. Participants learned to use the TP+ transportation planning software from Michael Clarke of Citilabs (the developer of TP+). Members from the North Dakota Department of Transportation, the Fargo-Moorhead Council of Governments and the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Organization all participated. ATAC will be using TP+ as part of the new travel demand modeling support program. For more information about this project, please see the article on page 2. |
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The Advanced Traffic Analysis Center continues to offer training in VISSIM, a powerful traffic simulation tool that supports decisions for traffic operations, transit operations, planning, ITS deployment, and traffic impact assessment.