Traffic signal integration projects have been the core of most intelligent transportation system (ITS) projects deployed in most major cities in the US in the last decade. The control of traffic signals in these integrated systems is done on a network-wide basis through centralized control software typically located in a central traffic management center. While these integrated network-wide control provided several benefits to system operators, the delay reduction benefit resulted from these projects was not as significant as initially thought. This presentation provides an introduction to traffic signals. It also discussed current challenges the traffic signal industry faces as well as potential changes to the traffic signals that may result from the implementation of the USDOT's vehicle infrastructure integration program.
About the presenter: Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Rahim is an Associated Professor of Transportation in the Civil Engineering Department at the UI. His research interests include: Intelligent Transportation Systems, Highway and Traffic Safety, as well as Traffic Signal Systems.