Creating Advanced Traffic Signal Controls Using Connected Vehicle Data

Adaptive traffic signal technologies offer a significant improvement over traditional signals, which mostly operate on a fixed-time schedule. However, their potential has yet to be realized as most deployed adaptive traffic signals rely on ground sensors, or loop data, to detect stopped vehicles at an intersection; data which is often not readily available. PATH researchers developed new traffic signal control strategies using data from “connected” vehicles, including vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure technologies. The new control strategies tested well, and showed improved mobility and safety. Also, PATH researchers, in partnership with BMW, field-tested an in-vehicle driver speed advisory system. The project was able to demonstrate that the interconnection of vehicles and infrastructure can reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions, and increase safety. Work is underway to further test the developed strategies on local arterial roads.