Evaluation of the Dynamic Arterial-Responsive Traffic System (DARTS)

Details

• Creators:
  Lee, Clyde E.
• Corporate Creators:
  University of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation Research
• Corporate Contributors:
  Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Arterial Highways Coordination Dynamic Arterial-responsive Traffic System (DARTS) Evaluation Full Traffic Actuated Controllers Traffic Platooning Traffic Signals Traffic Signal Timing
• Publication/ Report Number:
  FHWA/TX-82/2S+243-lF
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States ; Texas
• Edition:
  Final Report
• Corporate Publisher:
  Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University
• Abstract:
  DARTS is an auxiliary solid-state electronic timing and switching device which can be connected directly to any modern (NEMA Standards) full-actuated traffic signal controller for the purpose of coordinating the timing of pairs of such controllers at adjacent intersections in such a way that progressive movement is provided for platoons of traffic traveling along an artery. No modification of the basic controller installation nor timing is required, and only one pair of conductors is needed to transmit the necessary platoon identification information from the upstream intersection. Functioning of the platoon identification and progression timing sequence provided by DARTS is described in the report along with functions which monitor traffic on conflicting phases in order to preclude excessive delays and queue buildups from occurring on these approaches. The results of field observations made in San Antonio while two early versions of DARTS were being evaluated are presented. Measurements of traffic volume, delay, number of stops, and speed on the arterial were recorded at four intersections during the Bandera Road study, and volume and delay observations of traffic on conflicting signal phases were also noted. Compared to normal individual intersection actuated control, there was no pronounced effect on any of these parameters either when DARTS was operated for the outbound direction only or when both outbound and inbound platoon progression was attempted simultaneously. Delay to traffic on signal phases which conflicted with artery progression was slightly higher when DARTS was operated, but not excessive.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  3-18-78-243
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:f12a2060b8bff582900694096c9add62e98ca339aaca7003c8dff054e16ad44a54b08b0d0af22a52bf78e6bcac076f9af8dfae5e269ea79ccd40de39de69eb01
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/85703/dot_85703_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.88 MB ]