Form ProjStat
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Research Project Statement 17-119
FY 2017 Annual Program
Title:
Optimum Traffic Signal Settings to Improve Safety and Efficiency When Using Modern Detection
Devices (Deliverable Based)
The Problem:
Traffic signals settings have historically been developed using inductive loops as the
predominant detection devices. These resulted in the configuration of using stop bar detectors for
low speed approaches and multiple loop configurations for high speed approaches. These
detector configurations and the associated traffic signal controller settings are documented in
TxDOT's Traffic Signal Operations Handbook, Second Edition. These settings include minimum
green, passage time, maximum green, gap reductions, detector delay, and detector extension.
Additional settings, such as detector switching, were not covered.
Detection technology has changed significantly over the years. The advent of video detection
has provided flexibility to TxDOT's engineers in detector design. The Traffic Signal Operations
Handbook recognized the unique nature of video detection technology and recommended
detector settings for video detection; however, signal controller settings using video detection
were still influenced by the signal settings for inductive loops. In the past few years, additional
detection technologies have been developed, namely radar, hybrid of video and radar, wireless
detectors, and infrared detectors.
A recently completed research project studied the capabilities of these modern detectors, but
what is needed is the translation of the findings of these research projects to develop traffic
signal controller settings that are appropriate for the detector technology selected (radar, hybrid,
wireless, infrared) and the objective of the detection (high speed, low speed, trucks, bicycles,
pedestrians). Having a unique set of traffic signal controller settings that are appropriate to the
detection technology being used will significantly improve the safety and efficiency of traffic
signal operated by TxDOT and other agencies in Texas.
Technical
Objectives:
This research will evaluate the capabilities of the modern detector technologies from the findings
of TxDOT research projects, assess the detection needs for various scenarios, and develop the
signal controller settings that are appropriate for the detection technology being used. A
combination of hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop simulation technologies will be
used to assess the effectiveness of the signal settings for each detection technology, along with
field deployment of the settings at two intersections. One of the challenges of using simulation
models will be to emulate the performance of some of the modern detectors; however, modern
simulation models have enhanced capabilities that can overcome these challenges and
accurately simulate modern detectors. The results of this project will be a series of guidelines
that TxDOT engineers can use to operate traffic signals in a more efficient and safe manner.
Desired
Deliverables:
1. Value of Research (VoR) that includes both qualitative and economic benefits.
2. A final report documenting the activities conducted to develop and evaluate the traffic signal
controller settings for modern detection technologies. The final report will also provide
guidelines that can be attached as an appendix to the current version of the Traffic Signal
Operations Handbook.
Proposal
Requirements:
1. Utilize the deliverable based templates (see the appendices provided or in the University
Handbook).
2. Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical
evaluation if they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in
RTI’s University Handbook.
3. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should
include project name and university abbreviation.
Project Statement 17-119
Form ProjStat
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Pre-Proposal
Meeting
Information:
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
11:00 – 11:30 AM
Austin Riverside Campus
118 E. Riverside Dr.
RTI Conference Room, 1st Floor
Webex Information:
1. Go to:
https://txdot.webex.com/mw0401lsp13/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=txdot&rnd=0.9091095085622
569
2. Meeting Number: 735 915 144
3. If requested, enter your name and email address.
4. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: FY17
5. Click "Join".
Teleconference Information:
Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you
can call:
Call-in toll-free number: 1-866-637-1408 (US)
Conference Code: 951 211 7290
Notifying RTI of
Intent to
Propose:
Notify your University Liaison of your intent to submit a proposal. Your Liaison will provide
information regarding the RFP.
Proposal
Deadline:
Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time, April 14, 2016. Email
submissions should be sent to rtimain@txdot.gov.
Project Statement 17-119