Traffic Signal Simulation Cookbook (ver 1.0)

Traffic signal control is one of the most cost-effective approaches to mitigating traffic congestion. In practice, before implementing a new signal system, traffic signal simulation is usually performed to estimate the impact of the proposed solution. In other words, microsimulation tools provide a huge amount of output results that can be used for the performance assessment of signal control systems. To mimic the real-time signal operations, microscopic traffic simulation is typically adopted in traffic signal simulation, aiming to model the individual vehicle movements on a second or sub-second basis.

Traffic signal simulation is in many aspects different than traditional traffic simulation. First, traffic signal simulation has to involve a signal system that configures the signal phasing and timing plan. Such signal systems could be established on top of a very simple two-phase setting or a complicated NEMA eight-phase setting depending on the purpose of the simulation. Second, signal simulation has to take into account the special features of real-world signal controllers, such as transit signal priority, signal preemption, and so on. Sometimes an advanced software-in-the-loop simulation is preferred. Third, signal simulation usually integrates vehicles with signals, enabled by connected vehicles v2i technology. New technologies such as SPat and BSM, shall be considered in the traffic signal simulation.

This cookbook aims to provide the traffic signal community with easy-to-follow procedures and examples in conducting different aspects of traffic signal simulation. This cookbook is a collection of tiny simulation “recipes” that each demonstrates a particular signal control concept. The use of this book will aid in the consistent and reproducible application of traffic signal microsimulation models and will further encourage the development of signal control algorithms by the entire community. As a result, practitioners and researchers will be equipped to conduct quick signal-related simulations. Depending on the project-specific purpose, need, and scope, elements of the process described in this cookbook may be enhanced or adapted to support the decision-makers. It is strongly recommended that the respective stakeholders and partners consult prior to and throughout the application of any signal simulation model.