Improving Mobility on Segments with Closely Spaced Intersections in Urban Areas

In this research, a strategy to improve mobility and reduce delay on road segments is explored via modeling and simulation. Thirty selected corridors with combination of signalized and unsignalized intersections were identified for this study. Each segment consists of at least one AWSC and two signalized intersections at which field data were obtained (lane configurations, signal timing, traffic volumes, etc.). The selected AWSC intersections on the segments were within 305 m (1000 feet) from the upstream or downstream signalized intersections. Synchro software program was utilized to model the existing condition of the segments based on which the strategy for mobility improvement was explored. The field data were used as input in Synchro software application to model two scenarios: existing or the “before” scenario, and the “after” scenario. The unsignalized intersections were signalized (and optimized) in the “after” scenario. The measures of effectiveness used to assess the efficiency of the strategy were average travel speed, control delay and 95th percentile queue length. The analyses were conducted for both the morning (AM) and evening (PM) peak periods. The results of the analyses showed reductions in control delay and 95th percentile queue lengths that were statistically significant, while the average travel speed of vehicles significantly increased at 5% level of significance. The evaluation determined that the signalization of some unsignalized intersections (which are 305 m or less from existing signalized intersections) may improve mobility despite the fact that these locations do not meet the MUTCD warrants for signalization. These findings would aid transportation engineers and planners to consider and evaluate this option when making decisions on signalization of intersections in urban areas.

Patron Survey of Acceptable Wait Times at Transit Bus Stops in the District of Columbia

The wait time of bus patrons at bus stops is one of several measures for assessing reliability of transit services, especially in urban areas. The uncertainty associated with waiting affects bus patrons’ perception of quali of the service provided. Studies in this subject area have therefore been of interest to transit service agencies and officials. This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to determine patrons’ maximum acceptable wait times (beyond the scheduled arrival time) at bus stops in an urban area. In all, 3387 bus patrons at 71 selected bus stops were surveyed over a period of 9 months. The results of the survey showed that the least acceptable wait time beyond the scheduled arrival time was 1 minute, while the maximum acceptable wait time was reported to be 20 minutes. Also, only one-third (33%) of the total number of patrons surveyed were willing to wait up to 5 minutes beyond the scheduled arrival time of buses. In addition, patrons are willing to wait longer in warm weather. On average, white patrons were found to have the least maximum acceptable wait times, followed by Hispanics, Asians, and then Blacks.

Effectiveness of modified pedestrian crossing signs in an urban area

The District of Columbia currently uses the standard pedestrian warning signs and diagonal arrow plaques at a substantial number of uncontrolled crosswalks within the City.However, the widespread use of these measures appears to be ineffective in curbing the incidence of pedestrian involved crashes or pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. To compensate for the perceived lack of effectiveness of the standard pedestrian warning sign the District Department of Transportation developed a new side-of-street crossing sign to improve driver compliance based on pedestrian right-of-way laws.This study was aimed at determining the effectiveness(defined as the proportion of drivers approaching a crosswalk who stop or yield the right of way to a pedestrian in the crosswalk) of the experimental side-of-street pedestrian crossing sign compared to the standard sign, with and without rectangular rapid flashing beacons. Effectiveness of the side-of-street pedestrian sign and standard sign were observed at a total of 32 locations in the District over a one-year period using the “control” and “experimental” comparison approach. Video data for each location was obtained from March 2018 through February 2019 during typical weekdays for the morning and afternoon peak periods. The results of the study showed that the experimental signs with RRFBs provided higher driver compliance rates(yielding to pedestrians) compared to the standard signs for both the morning and afternoon peak periods. However, the differences in compliance rates for the experimental and standard signs were not statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval.Further evaluation of the signs is recommended using the “before” and “after” approach in addition to an assessment of crash statistics at the selected locations.