Skip to main content

Adaptive signal control improves traffic flow, reduces travel time

McCain, US manufacturer and supplier of intelligent transportation systems, traffic control equipment and parking guidance solutions, has successfully completed the evaluation of its latest QuicTrac adaptive control project in the City of Woodland Park, Colorado. The project ran on eight intersections along a 3.65 mile stretch of United States Highway 24 (US 24), where average daily traffic ranges from 19,000–26,000 vehicles.
August 29, 2012 Read time: 1 min
772 McCain, US manufacturer and supplier of intelligent transportation systems, traffic control equipment and parking guidance solutions, has successfully completed the evaluation of its latest QuicTrac adaptive control project in the City of Woodland Park, Colorado. The project ran on eight intersections along a 3.65 mile stretch of United States Highway 24 (US 24), where average daily traffic ranges from 19,000–26,000 vehicles. McCain says the study, a comparison of two adaptive systems, proves their ability to improve traffic operations at a fraction of the cost, while generating more than double the benefit-to-cost ratio. The system improved travel times, reduced fuel consumption, and generated significant positive feedback from residents, underscoring its impact on the community as a whole.

QuicTrac collects real time data from detectors, loops or video, establishing traffic flow and demand. The software then runs a series of advanced algorithms to determine and coordinate optimum signal timing for the entire corridor to improve traffic flow.

Related Content

  • McCain expands distribution network
    May 7, 2013
    Intelligent transportation systems supplier McCain has expanded its distribution network with an agreement with Walker Brothers to distribute its traffic equipment in South Carolina. Under the terms of the new distributor agreement, Walker Brothers will have exclusive distribution rights to McCain’s ITS, NEMA, and Caltrans traffic controller cabinets; Model 2070 and NEMA traffic signal controllers; the entire ATC eX controller series; intersection control software; and McCain’s new and improved Transparity
  • Wavetronix radar-based traffic sensor cuts costs
    May 30, 2013
    While initial cost of radar based detection may be higher than that traditional loops, lower maintenance costs more than balance the books. Following successful field tests, the US city of Greenville, North Carolina, has recently agreed a new policy of phasing in Wavetronix traffic sensor technology’s radar-based SmartSensor Matrix system across its signalised traffic intersections. City traffic engineer Rik DiCesare expects the incremental implementation to deliver benefits to both the city’s taxpayers an
  • Sensor solutions cuts maintenance and emissions
    December 8, 2014
    The new raft of sensor technology can provide cost savings as well as additional functionality, as David Crawford discovers. Austria’s third-largest city, Linz, with a population of around 200,000, is recording substantial savings in its urban tram network within 18 months of introducing a new, high-technology approach to its public transport management. Tram, bus and trolleybus operator Linz Linien forms part of city utilities management company Linz AG, which has been carrying out a wide-ranging Smart Cit
  • Ramp metering delivers - again
    January 27, 2012
    Though still controversial, ramp metering, which has been around for nearly 50 years, continues to deliver substantial benefits, and generally for relatively small cost. Kansas City is a case in point. In March 2010, Kansas City Scout, a partnership between the Missouri and Kansas Departments of Transportation to provide ITS for the greater Kansas City Area, activated the first ramp metering system in the region. The project is located on an 8.85km (5.5 mile) section of Interstate 435 from Metcalf Avenue to