Arterial signal coordination and optimization: a case study in Istanbul

Abstract

Traffic congestion, which is a major stress creator in urban life, does not only stand to depress people but also gives rise to considerable costs to the economy. The total annual cost of traffic congestion in Istanbul is estimated to be 3.12 billion US$ (Ergün and Şahin, 2005). One of the most effective ways of reducing traffic congestion is the coordination of signalized arteries. The objective of this study is to develop a signal coordination methodology and signal coordination strategies and to test them through a pilot artery in Istanbul. In order to accomplish this, traffic counts were performed in the selected artery and the artery was modeled through the use of the selected signal optimization and coordination computer packages; i.e. SYNCHRO, SIGNAL 2000 and SimTraffic. Subsequent to the execution of three established signal coordination scenarios, the most efficient signal coordination methodology was determined. The results of the study showed that signal coordination can provide up to 60 per cent reduction in total traffic delay, 30 per cent reduction in total in fuel consumption and 30 per cent reduction carbon monoxide emission in the artery and its side streets.