Traffic Operations Field StudyThe last few years have witnessed a tremendous emphasis on transportation system operations. This is very evident in the recently enacted SAFETEA-LU, which calls for including operations in metropolitan and statewide planning and developing standards for real-time system management information.
ATAC is partnering with the City of Fargo on a traffic signal control field study to research, evaluate, and develop methods to improve traffic signal operations. Various detection strategies (placement and function) and traffic controller operations will be evaluated to determine their effects on intersection operation in terms of traffic delay. In addition, traffic data will be collected continuously to determine temporal changes during typical and non-typical (special events) traffic conditions. This partnership allows ATAC to collect data using four Autoscope image processing cameras at the intersection of 12th Ave. N. and 18th St. near the NDSU campus. The data will be transferred via the City of Fargo's fiber optic network to NDSU. In return, the city will have access to the data collected, research findings, and use of a video surveillance camera with a powerful zoom that can support traffic management during special events. The City of Fargo provided most of the necessary infrastructure for camera installation as well as use of its fiber optics communications to facilitate camera installations and data transfer. Because the cameras needed to be elevated at least 30 feet above the roadway, luminaire arms were installed on the signal standards. The communications design for this project involved close coordination and cooperation among ATAC, City of Fargo, NDSU, and Traffic Control Corp., which supplied the necessary equipment for the project. NDSU Network Services provided guidance on possible communications alternatives and assisted ATAC throughout the design and installation process. In addition, Network Services facilitated ATAC's access to the NDSU fiber network. Video and traffic data are transported via Fargo's fiber optics to the intersection of 12th Ave. N. and Bolley Dr. (one block from 18th St.). A new fiber connection was added to connect Fargo's fiber optics system with NDSU's network at that intersection. NDSU's fiber terminates at the Information Technology Service's network core, where ATAC and the City of Fargo will be able to access the data and control the camera via an IP connection. With the mild winter Fargo has enjoyed this season, fiber optics installation and necessary connections were successfully completed in December of 2005. The Autoscope and surveillance cameras installation and connections was completed in January of 2006. The system is expected to be fully operational by the end of March 2006.   Installation of field equipment at 12th Avenue North and 18th Street intersection |
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Traffic signal control systems play a significant role in transportation system operations. Recent national assessment efforts resulted in unsatisfactory scores for traffic signal operations, especially in the areas of management and responsiveness to changing traffic conditions. Transportation agencies implement timing plans and detection technology based on funding levels, technical training, and work experience. Basic concepts for traffic signal operations and detection strategies have been well documented. However, there is a real need to examine innovative control strategies and develop practical best practices.