RITA | ITS | Benefits: Integrated adaptive signal control, highway ramp metering, and alternative route information can help balance heavy traffic loads and improve commute times.

Integrated adaptive signal control, highway ramp metering, and alternative route information can help balance heavy traffic loads and improve commute times.

As part of the European TABASCO (Telematics Applications in Bavaria, Scotland, and Others) project, traffic-responsive urban control (TUC) strategies were developed and applied to the M-8 corridor in Glasgow, Scotland. Adaptive signal control systems, highway ramp metering, and dynamic message signs (DMS) were integrated using real-time traffic data to balance network traffic loads during peak periods of congestion.

Traffic detectors were deployed to evaluate baseline conditions and measure system impacts. The test area included 3.5 km of freeway, 27 signalized intersections on adjacent arterials (seven in the TUC system), two freeway entrances (one with a ramp meter) and three dynamic messages signs.

Traffic volume and journey times were measured on arterial and freeway segments during several afternoon peak periods between February and March 1998. Driver response to the management strategies led to a 23% increase in traffic load and a 1% increase in travel times on alternate routes, while the system also helped avoid the development of oversaturated conditions (gridlock). Overall, the combined total travel time experienced by all travelers in the study area, on both freeways and arterials, decreased by 13%.

See the related ITS Benefits Database entry for more information.

Past "Benefit of the Month" summaries are also available.