Last updated on Sep 13, 2024

What are the current trends and innovations in traffic signal timing and coordination?

Traffic signal timing and coordination are essential for efficient and safe transportation systems. They affect the flow, speed, and safety of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. However, traffic conditions are dynamic and complex, requiring constant adaptation and innovation. In this article, we will explore some of the current trends and innovations in traffic signal timing and coordination, and how they can improve mobility, sustainability, and livability.

1 Adaptive signal control

One of the current trends in traffic signal timing and coordination is adaptive signal control (ASC), which is a system that adjusts signal timings in real time based on traffic data from sensors, cameras, or connected vehicles. ASC can respond to changing traffic patterns, demand, and incidents, and optimize signal timings for different modes and objectives. ASC can reduce delays, stops, emissions, and fuel consumption, and improve travel time reliability and safety.

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Dhruv Soni

Infrastructure Advisory | Transportation Specialist IIM Lucknow | IIT Kharagpur | CEPT Nucleus | Ex-PwC | Ex-WSP
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Apart from SCOOT and SCATS, MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) is also an vehicle actuated signal control. However, this is more suitable for isolated junctions and small linked networks. MOVA has two modes of operation: 1. Delay minimizing under normal mode of operation and 2. Capacity Maximizing when the junction approaches the its capacity to get the maximum traffic through the junction.

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Ahmed Mirghani, PMP, CTOE

Project Manager | Training Lead | Certified Traffic Operations Engineer | Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Center (DITSC)
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Adaptive signal control systems like SCOOT and SCATS indeed represent significant advancements in traffic management. SCOOT (Split Cycle and Offset Optimization Technique) and SCATS (Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System) are widely recognized as some of the leading solutions in this field. Both systems leverage real-time traffic data to dynamically adjust signal timings, optimizing traffic flow and reducing congestion.

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Hussein Falih

Senior Transport Modeller at PTV Group
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Current trends and innovations in traffic signal timing and coordination include: 1. Adaptive Signal Control Technology (ASCT): Signals adjust in real-time based on traffic conditions to optimize flow and reduce delays. 2. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning models analyze traffic patterns and predict demand for better signal timing. 3. Connected Vehicle Integration: Vehicles communicate with signals to anticipate traffic conditions and reduce stop times. 4. Pedestrian and Bicycle Prioritization: Smart signals give priority to non-motorized road users for safer crossings. 5. Eco-Traffic Signal Timing: Reduces fuel consumption and emissions by optimizing stop-and-go cycles.

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2 Transit signal priority

Another trend in traffic signal timing and coordination is transit signal priority (TSP), which is a system that gives preferential treatment to transit vehicles at signalized intersections. TSP can extend green time, shorten red time, or change the signal phase for transit vehicles, depending on their location, schedule, and occupancy. TSP can improve transit travel time, reliability, and attractiveness, and reduce conflicts with other modes.

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Hussein Falih

Senior Transport Modeller at PTV Group
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Transit Signal Priority (TSP) is a system that enhances the movement of public transit vehicles, like buses and trams, through signalized intersections. Key aspects include: 1. Signal Preemption: Transit vehicles approaching an intersection can extend the green light or shorten the red light to minimize delays. 2. Detection Technologies: GPS, sensors, or radio transmitters are used to detect transit vehicles and communicate with the traffic signal system. 3. Selective Priority: TSP is often activated based on criteria such as schedule adherence, vehicle occupancy, or congestion levels. 4. Integration with Adaptive Systems: TSP works alongside adaptive signal control to balance transit priority with general traffic flow.

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3 Connected and automated vehicles

A third trend in traffic signal timing and coordination is the integration of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) into the transportation system. CAVs are vehicles that can communicate with each other, with infrastructure, and with other road users, and that can perform driving tasks without human intervention. CAVs can provide real-time and accurate traffic data, cooperate with signal systems, and optimize their trajectories and speeds. CAVs can enhance traffic efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.

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4 Multimodal signal coordination

A fourth trend in traffic signal timing and coordination is multimodal signal coordination, which is a system that considers the needs and preferences of different modes of transportation, such as vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users, and balances them at signalized intersections. Multimodal signal coordination can allocate green time, adjust signal phases, or implement exclusive or concurrent modes, depending on the traffic conditions, mode shares, and policy goals. Multimodal signal coordination can improve mode equity, accessibility, and safety.

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Nathan Kautz, P.E.

Senior Transportation Safety Engineer
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This can be seen in NCHRP Report 969. On a whole, other options for timing for other users can involve different performance metrics. Looking at more than peak hour capacity, vehicular delay, and Level of service, and looking at metrics such as 24 hour capacity, Pedestrian LOS, Pedestrian Delay, Transit LOS/delay, and more! This can change what signal timings are chosen and what is ultimately selected - just by assigning and monitoring more than just vehicular performance metrics.

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5 Data-driven signal optimization

A fifth trend in traffic signal timing and coordination is data-driven signal optimization, which is a system that uses advanced data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to optimize signal timings and coordination. Data-driven signal optimization can leverage large-scale and diverse data sources, such as traffic counts, travel times, speeds, crashes, emissions, and user feedback, and apply sophisticated algorithms and models to find the optimal signal solutions. Data-driven signal optimization can enhance traffic performance, reliability, and resilience.

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6 Smart city integration

A sixth trend in traffic signal timing and coordination is smart city integration, which is a system that connects signal systems with other smart city components, such as smart grids, smart buildings, smart parking, smart mobility, and smart governance. Smart city integration can enable data sharing, communication, coordination, and collaboration among different sectors and stakeholders, and support integrated planning and management of urban systems. Smart city integration can foster innovation, sustainability, and livability.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the current trends and innovations in traffic signal timing and coordination?

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1 Adaptive signal control

2 Transit signal priority

3 Connected and automated vehicles

4 Multimodal signal coordination

5 Data-driven signal optimization

6 Smart city integration

7 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Engineering

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