Evaluating the Performance of Signalized Intersection with Signal Countdown Timer

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Evaluating the Performance of Signalized Intersection with Signal Countdown Timer Jithender Jatoth 1 & Nawal Kishor Singh 1 & Arpan Mehar 1 Received: 18 January 2020 / Revised: 29 August 2020 / Accepted: 12 October 2020 # Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020

Abstract Signalized intersections are the interrupted traffic flow facility in a roadway network. The efficiency of traffic operations at the signalized intersection is expected to improve during inter-green intervals. To improve the quality of service at an intersection the traffic control devices are used widely over the world. The time intervals defined for traffic signal operation help to reduce severe traffic conflicts, delay, and improve driver’s decision for making turns. The present study evaluates the performance of traffic operations under with and without signal countdown timer (SCT) conditions based on field data collected at two signalized intersections in Hyderabad city, India. The vehicles speeding behavior and drivers complying with traffic regulation are also analyzed under different countdown timer conditions. It has been found that the average approaching speed of vehicles and redlight violations are found to be changed due to changes in the signal countdown timer conditions. The average startup loss time calculated in the field was found to be decreased when SCT was inactive. A significant increase in the capacity of signalized intersections has been observed when SCT was active. The traffic performance measures such as average control delay and queue lengths as estimated on the approaches were influenced due to the presence of STCs. The study finds that the signal countdown timer is an effective device that can enhance the traffic safety and operational performance of a signalized intersection. Keywords Signal countdown timer . Red light violation . Capacity . Approaching speed

1 Introduction A driver approaching a signalized intersection at the beginning of the amber time needs to decide whether clear the intersection or halt safely before the stop line at an approach. The collision between the vehicles may occur when their decision conflicts at the end of the green time [1]. Such confusions may be resolved by displaying the remaining time for the maneuver with the help of signal countdown timers (SCT). SCTs are becoming more popular nowadays as it is found to be an effective device when used as a part of traffic control strategies and management. The installation of SCTs serves many purposes such as reduce fuel consumption and anxiety

during queuing, decrease collision rate, improve intersection capacity and level of service [2–4]. Signal countdown timers are used as a technical device and accessories that can improve road safety and traffic control efficiency. However, scientific studies on safety and traffic control measures with and without the presence of SCTs are being performed over the world that differs significantly with locations due to change in driver behavior. Therefore, present study is propo