Optimization of Actuated Traffic Signal Plans Using a Mesoscopic Traffic Simulation

Traffic signal plan designs become more complex with developments in the fields of sensing and communication and the introduction of features, such as transit priority or pedestrian actuation. Traffic signal optimization programs were developed mostly for the basic parameters of pretimed traffic signal plans using analytical or simple traffic models. Simulation-based optimization for other parameters related to actuated traffic signals has been very limited due to the high computational time associated with detailed traffic simulation models. This paper presents the overall structure and the various components of a simulation-based system to optimize the parameters of complex actuated traffic signal plans. The system framework incorporates a connection between a mesoscopic traffic simulation, MESCOP, traffic signal control, and a genetic algorithm as the optimization method. The integrated system is demonstrated with applications to a fully actuated signalized intersections with vehicle and pedestrian actuations and transit priority in Haifa, Israel.