An energy investigation of signalized network optimized by TRANSYT 7

In the traffic engineering field today, much attention is being given to the area of intersection control. The intersection has long been recognized as the most critical element in our highway system. Accidents, delay, wasted fuel and congestion are greatest at intersections. The variable having the greatest effect on traffic flow at an intersection or in a network of intersections is the traffic signal timing.

In recent years, several computer programs have been developed to aid the traffic engineer in signal timing. This thesis examines the effect of the signal timing plans generated by one of the more widely used programs, TRANSYT 7, on the energy consumption of two signalized networks. Also examined are the relationships of delay and stops to fuel consumption.

The TRANSYT 7 program was used to generate signal timing plans over a range of cycle lengths and stop penalties. The TRANSYT 7 signal timing plans were entered into NETSIM, a microscopic traffic simulation program, to determine their effect on fuel consumption in the two study networks.