Adaptive signal control improves traffic flow, reduces travel time

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.