Optimisation of Signal Timing at Intersections with Waiting Areas

Wang, Feng; Li, Kun; Shao, Chunfu; Zhang, Jianjun; Banglan, LI; Han, Ning · 2022 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.7307/ptt.v34i2.3870

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Summary

This paper addresses the optimization of signal timing at signalized intersections equipped with waiting areas (WAs), an unconventional geometric design widely used in China and Japan to alleviate traffic oversaturation. While previous research established that WAs improve traffic capacity by 10–30% and reduce delays, few studies have explored how to optimize signal schemes to maximize these benefits. The authors aim to fill this gap by analyzing how WA geometry influences vehicle transit times, proposing specific signal optimization strategies, and establishing a unified capacity calculation model for oversaturated intersections. The study begins by categorizing WA designs into left-turn waiting areas (LWAs) and through-movement waiting areas (TWAs), detailing their geometric constraints and operational rules. The authors analyze the vehicle start-up process, demonstrating that vehicles stored in WAs during the preceding phase enter the intersection immediately upon the green signal, effectively reducing the start-up lost time compared to intersections without WAs. Based on this analysis, the researchers derive a capacity model that accounts for the storage capacity of the WAs, saturation headway, and start-up lost times. They formulate a cycle optimization model with capacity maximization as the objective function, specifically targeting oversaturated conditions where traditional signal optimization may reach theoretical limits. The findings indicate that optimizing signal timing for intersections with WAs significantly improves operational efficiency. Case studies using field survey data demonstrate that the proposed optimization strategies reduce intersection delays by 10–15%. The analysis reveals a clear relationship between WA storage capacity, cycle time, and overall traffic capacity, showing that proper signal coordination allows the intersection to fully utilize the additional storage space provided by the WAs. The study also highlights that while WAs increase the number of vehicle stops, the net effect on capacity and delay is positive when signal timing is appropriately adjusted. The significance of this work lies in providing a practical framework for traffic engineers to maximize the benefits of WA installations. By linking geometric design with signal control, the paper offers a method to alleviate network gridlock and oversaturation in urban arterial networks. The results suggest that integrating WA design with optimized signal timing is a cost-effective strategy for improving intersection capacity, particularly in cities where extensive geometric reconstruction is not feasible. This approach supports more efficient traffic management by ensuring that the physical advantages of WAs are fully realized through precise signal control.

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• intersection design