INNOVATIVE DATA COLLECTION FOR IMPROVED TRAFFIC SIGNAL TIMING

In mid-2001, the Division of Traffic Engineering and the Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) proposed a major initiative to improve the function, performance and safety of Lexington's arterial roadways to achieve their greatest benefit. This paper, from a set of conference proceedings on Intersection Safety: Achieving Solutions Through Partnerships (March 2004, Irvine, California), describes the process from start to finish, focusing on the costs and benefits derived. The author first discusses the collection of the large amount of data required for the project. From these findings, a Travel Rate Index (TRI) was determined to show worst-to-best locations of congestion and time of occurrence. An initial analysis of emissions, fuel and time savings showed a benefit/cost ratio of 47:1 for reduction in delay. The author also describes the use of the Geostats Geologger, used for the collection of travel times and average speeds for arterials; these data points are then downloaded into ArcView producing a color-coded map showing the TRI and average speeds by roadway segment, identifying trouble spots or determining the average for the length of the corridor. This data can be used to develop more professional and customized traffic timing plans for improved efficiency.