Showing papers on "Traffic count published in 2016"

Traffic Data Analysis Using Image Processing Technique on Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway

Abstract: With the advancements in video image processing system (VIPS), detection mechanism has made a significant improvement over traditional methods for traffic data analysis. Traffic on Delhi-Gurgaon expressway is heterogeneous in nature with non-lane based behaviour. Moreover, automation and instrumentation are also not implemented. In view of this, TRaffic AnalyZer and EnumeratoR (TRAZER), a VIPS was used to process video-captured data on Delhi-Gurgaon expressway to check accuracy based on traffic count, speed and lateral placement. The motivation behind using TRAZER is to evaluate its efficiency and robustness for extracting micro and macro-level traffic parameters under heterogeneous traffic conditions. To achieve this, data were extracted manually on above parameters and compared with those obtained from TRAZER. The volume count data from TRAZER generated a lesser accuracy of 60% detection under heavy traffic conditions, using default parameters. Thus, refinements were carried out in the software as part of calibration: (i) redefining maximum and minimum detection widths for each vehicle category, and (ii) selecting the optimum trap length for reducing the occlusion effect, which increased the detection percentage as well as reduced the error. After implementing these refinements, 80% of the vehicles were detected. Further, relationships between vehicle speed and its lateral placement from median across road width, at a given point were also developed. The models were developed for both aggregate (considering all vehicles) and disaggregate (vehicle category-wise) levels. The polynomial relationship was found to be best fitted function to estimate vehicle speed based on its lateral placement.

GIS-Based On-Road Vehicular Emission Inventory for Lucknow, India

Abstract: Megacities in India (population more than 10 million) have taken actions to control air-pollution emissions. However, the second-level cities (population between one and 10 million) have not drawn an action plan, and people face serious air pollution in these cities. For one such city, Lucknow, a geographic information system (GIS)-based methodology for emission inventory of on-road vehicles has been developed. The pollutants include: sulfur dioxide (SO2); oxides of nitrogen (NOx); carbon monoxide (CO); particulate matter (PM); 1,3 butadiene; formaldehyde; acetaldehyde; total aldehydes; and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Video recording was done at nine road intersections of varying land-use patterns to assess traffic count and vehicle kilometer travel. Parking lot surveys were carried out for assessing engine type, vehicle age, etc. and to arrive at a suitable net emission factor for each vehicle category. The 2-wheelers (2-Ws) and 4-wheelers (4-Ws) dominate the total traffic with...

Meso-scale on-road vehicle emission inventory approach: a study on Dhaka City of Bangladesh supporting the ‘cause-effect’ analysis of the transport system

Abstract: The study aims to develop an emission inventory (EI) approach and conduct an inventory for vehicular sources in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. A meso-scale modelling approach was adopted for the inventory; the factors that influence the emissions and the magnitude of emission variation were identified and reported on, which was an innovative approach to account emissions unlike the conventional inventory approaches. Two techniques for the emission inventory were applied, viz. (i) a combined top-down and bottom-up approach that considered the total vehicle population and the average diurnal on-road vehicle speed profile in the city and (ii) a bottom-up approach that accounted for road link-specific emissions of the city considering diurnal traffic volume and speed profiles of the respective roads. For the bottom-up approach, road link-specific detailed data were obtained through field survey in 2012, where mid-block traffic count of the day, vehicle speed profile, road network and congestion data were collected principally. The emission variances for the change in transport system characteristics (like change in fuel type, AC usage pattern, increased speed and reduced congestion/stopping) were predicted and analysed in this study; congestion influenced average speed of the vehicles, and fuel types in the vehicles were identified as the major stressors. The study performance was considered reasonable when comparing with the limited number of similar studies conducted earlier. Given the increasing trend of private vehicles each year coupled with increasing traffic congestion, the city is under threat of increased vehicular emissions unless a good management strategy is implemented. Although the inventory is conducted for Dhaka and the result may be important locally, the approach adopted in this research is innovative in nature to be followed for conducting research on other urban transport systems.

Asthma exacerbations and traffic: examining relationships using link-based traffic metrics and a comprehensive patient database

Abstract: The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) is a unique community-based medical record data linkage system that provides individual patient address, diagnosis and visit information for all hospitalizations, as well as emergency department, urgent care and outpatient clinic visits for asthma Proximity to traffic is known to be associated with asthma exacerbations and severity Our null hypothesis was that there is no association between residential proximity to traffic and asthma exacerbations over eleven years of REP data Spatial coordinates of the homes of 19,915 individuals diagnosed with asthma were extracted from the REP database Three metrics of traffic exposure at residences were calculated from link-based traffic count data We used exploratory statistics as well as logistic and Poisson regression to examine associations between three traffic metrics at the home address and asthma exacerbations Asthma exacerbations increased as traffic levels near the home increased Proximity to traffic was a significant predictor of asthma exacerbations in logistic and Poisson regressions controlling for age, gender and block group poverty Over eleven years in a comprehensive county-wide data set of asthma patients, and after controlling for demographic effects, we found evidence that living in proximity to traffic increased the risk of asthma exacerbations

Stochastic Projection-Factoring Method Based on Piecewise Stationary Renewal Processes for Mid-and Long-Term Traffic Flow Modeling and Forecasting

Abstract: Forecasting traffic over a long period of time is of considerable interest and usefulness, but accurate forecasting is very difficult. Traditional projection and factoring methods for mid-and long-term cumulative traffic forecasting are deterministic and only provide a point prediction without specifying a statistical measure of prediction reliability. This paper constructs a stochastic projection and factoring method by casting long-term traffic volume counts into an integrated and rigorous framework of a more refined structural time series component model with piecewise stationary renewal processes capturing time-of-day, day-of-week, monthly, and yearly variations. By doing so, the new method roots itself in a solid theoretical foundation and generates two advantages. First, it results in a more accurate point prediction of cumulative traffic by taking into account the time-of-day traffic count variation in the modeling of unobservable future long-term traffic flow at temporary count stations or at a site under investigation as a mixture of piecewise stationary renewal processes with different means and variances. Second, it allows an interval prediction to be estimated by incorporating uncertainty into the modeling and forecasting process.

A Secure Interactive Architecture for Vehicular Cloud Environment

Abstract: Cloud computing is gaining more and more popularity due to the wide use of the Internet. It can now be integrated into vehicle applications to enhance mobility, preventing accidents, improve safety, and improve driving comfort. In this paper, we propose a secure architecture of inter-vehicle communication which is obtained from a cloud services, including architecture level, communication level and associated security challenges. With the help of these cloud services, real time vehicle simulations are conducted to find the optimal route from a given source to the destination based on some factors such as distance, road width, traffic count, junction delay and velocity – all of which play an essential role in minimizing the travel time. Instead of deploying sensors and devices on each vehicle, authorized drivers will subscribe to the cloud-provided platform and applications as services on-demand with payment based on usage. On the other hand, this study tackles one of the most important and conical attacks in cloud vehicle offering services, which is the Shrew attack. A number of steps should be taken first in order to explore these attacks like activating a loss-based probe to identify the locations and capabilities of the current bottlenecks, making use the data centers low-tenancy in order to synchronize the attacks flow and analyzing the necessary and the sufficient traffic for an effective attack.

Iterative update of route choice proportions in OD estimation

Abstract: The origin–destination (OD) matrix, as a fundamental element of transportation planning, can be estimated in various ways. Owing to lower costs and the ability to keep matrices up to date, estimating OD matrices from observed traffic counts is gaining interest. These methods find an OD matrix that, when assigned to the network, reproduces the traffic counts. The main weakness of these methods, assuming traffic counts as deterministic values, has been overcome by the TFlowFuzzy (TFF) algorithm, which considers the counts as imprecise values. In this paper, a limitation of TFF is identified and accounted for with a methodological enhancement for modification. A key element in the estimation of trip matrices from traffic counts is the route choice proportions (assignment matrix). In the conventional TFF, the assignment matrix is computed only once and held constant during the whole estimation process. Hence, a modified algorithm is proposed in which the assignment matrix is updated successively. This modific...

Traffic Counting Using Existing Video Detection Cameras

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the video detection technologies currently adopted by the city of Baton Rouge and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The main objective is to review the performance of Econolite Autoscope cameras in terms of their ability to detect data, ease of use, accessibility to data, security issues and cost. The final goal of this project is to investigate the effectiveness of this video detection technology in traffic data collection at signalized intersections in Baton Rouge and to judge the reliability of integrating the traffic count data from the Autoscopes into a database that could be used to supplement traffic count information at any time. In order to accomplish these tasks, a sample of intersections was selected for analysis from an inventory detailing each site’s traffic volume, lighting conditions, turning movements, camera mounting type, technology used, and geometric characteristics. Volume counts from the video detection technology (camera counts) were statistically compared against ground truth data (manual counts) by means of Multiple Logistic Regression and t-tests. Using these data, the capabilities of the existing video detection system was assessed to determine the quality of the data collected under various settings. The results of this research indicate that the performance of the Solo Terra Autoscopes was not consistent across the sample. Of the 20 intersections sampled, eight locations (40%) proved to show significant statistical differences between the camera and manual counts. The results of the regression analysis showed only lane configuration, time of day, and actual traffic volumes were statistically affecting the performance of the Autoscopes. According to supplemental t-test analysis on the time of day, the least accurate counts were recorded during the morning and afternoon peak hours and late at night. When testing based on traffic volume, the camera performance worsened as the traffic volume increased; when considering lane configuration, there were statistical differences for the through lanes, right lanes, and shared right/through lanes. Due to the fact that 60% of the sampled intersections (the remaining 12 out of the 20) provided reliable performance under high traffic volumes and during the same study period and weather conditions, the research team attributed the poor performance of some of the cameras to poor calibration and maintenance of the system. It was concluded that the recalibration of the Econolite Autoscopes can significantly enhance the performance of the video detection system, and it can therefore be considered a reliable means for traffic counting.

Reduction of Traffic Congestion and CarbonEmissions Through Park and Ride TransportationSystem

Abstract: Traffic congestion results in low vehicular speed, longer trip time, queuing, and blockage of movement coupled with increased demand of space beyond the road capacity. The transportation sector causes 13% of the emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG). It is a sector which is still developing. The fumes from cars contributes majorly to GHG emission. This work investigated park and ride facility as an optimal means of ameliorating congestion and hectic traffic situation within the City of Tshwane’s Central Business District (CBD) with a view to lowering greenhouse gases and their impacts on the climate. Traffic counts were conducted on heavily congested routes leading to the CBD and structured questionnaires were administered within the CBD. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emitted by traffic within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) was estimated and the amount of CO2 to be reduced by using park and ride facilities was determined. Traffic volumes on the selected routes indicated a heavy reliance of over 70% on passenger cars as a mode of entry and exit to the CBD of the city. The survey conducted also showed that about 89% of the people interviewed may be delayed by traffic jams when they are going to work. Fifty-four percent of the respondents indicated intention to use park and ride facilities provided it would guarantee safety, security and reliability. The study also revealed that the use of park and ride transportation system may reduce 96.2% carbon emission by cars traveling along the A Re Yeng Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in the city. Park and ride may be further researched for the feeder systems of the A Re Yeng BRT and within townships in the city of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.

Analysis of the Impact of Religious Activities on Traffic Flow along Mowe-Ibafo Axis of Lagos – Ibadan Expressway

Abstract: The increase in the number of religious centres as well as that of worshippers in Nigeria is alarming and unprecedented and it has also come with attendant problems; part of which is the degradation of the environment and more importantly traffic congestion This paper examines the impact of religious activities on traffic flow and the implication for environmental sustainability along Mowe-Ibafo axis of Lagos – Ibadan Expressway Using perceptual view of respondents generated through primary data of structured questionnaires as well as traffic count along the route, findings emanating from the study show that religious activities along this route have had adverse effects on the area with severe negative effect on traffic flow pattern as well as sustainable development Empirical result generated also shows that the volume of traffic is a major factor along the axis but type of vehicle is not a major determinant of traffic flow in the study area The study observed non-existing abatement strategies for curbing and coping with the problems and thus suggest solutions towards ameliorating traffic flow which include strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations in the area which would involve law enforcement agents as well as collaboration with the religious organization along the axis in maintaining traffic flow and preventing congestion Keywords: Religious Activities, Environment, Traffic Flow, Sustainable Development

Traffic Assessment for Pavement Structural Design Using RN29, LR1132, and HD26/01 Methods

Abstract: Traffic surveys are means of obtaining information about the traffic characteristics of an area. The data collected is used for traffic assessment of the area for various Engineering purposes. This study was an attempt to conduct a traffic assessment for the purpose of pavement design. Three design methods: Road Note 29 (RN 29), Laboratory Report 1132 (LR 1132), and Design manual for Highways and Bridges (DMHB; HD 26/01), were adopted. Three locations along the Onitsha-Enugu expressway, a Nigerian interstate highway, were surveyed. The highest volume of commercial vehicles was observed at the Nkpor location with corresponding design traffics of 108msa, 304msa, and 92.92msa using RN 29, LR 1132, and HD 26/01 respectively. Computed design traffics for Nkpor, Awkuzu, and Kwata locations using LR 1132 were 304msa, 175msa, and 167msa respectively. These were found to be significantly higher than those computed using RN 29 and HD 26/01 due to the fact that a uniform damaging factor was computed for the entire traffic count without any form of categorization or weight impact discrimination. It was concluded that the traffic assessment method to be adopted for any pavement design purpose should be consistent with the design method to be used for the selection of pavement thicknesses.

Statistical Classification of Highway Segments for Improving the Efficiency of Short-term Traffic Count Planning

Abstract: PURPOSES : The demand for extending national highways is increasing, but traffic monitoring is hindered because of resource limitations. Hence, this study classified highway segments into 5 types to improve the efficiency of short-term traffic count planning. METHODS : The traffic volume trends of 880 highway segments were classified through R-squared and linear regression analyses; the steadiness of traffic volume trends was evaluated through coefficient of variance (COV), and the normality of the data were determined through the Shapiro-Wilk W-test. RESULTS : Of the 880 segments, 574 segments had relatively low COV and were classified as type 1 segments, and 123 and 64 segments with increasing and decreasing traffic volume trends were classified as type 2 and type 3 segments, respectively; 80 segments that failed the normality test were classified as type 4, and the remaining 39 were classified as type 5 segments. CONCLUSIONS : A theoretical basis for biennial count planning was established. Biennial count is recommended for types 1~4 because their mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) are approximately 10%. For type 5 (MAPE

Application of Simulation-based Dynamic Traffic Model on Freeway Network: A Case Study of Jiangsu Province in China

Abstract: An analytical tool with high time resolution is necessary for the traffic operation management of freeway network. This paper proposes the application of simulation-based dynamic traffic model on freeway network. The total length of the analyzed freeway network in Jiangsu province is 4246km, and there are around 1 million vehicles per day. The model can represent the time dependent traffic condition of the whole network, and evaluate operation management strategies in large scale area which cannot be accomplished by macro four-step transportation model or micro traffic simulation model. The model is implemented by DTALite and the process of model building including data quality control, demand and supply preparation, and model validity checking. Freeway toll records and traffic count data are utilized to validate the model results on three levels: network, OD pairs and links. At last, the work zone scenario test is conducted by the validated model. The validation results indicate the dynamic traffic model can represent the time-dependent traffic condition with high accuracy, and the results of the scenario test show that the model can evaluate different operation management strategies quantitatively and reliability.

Speed Control on the Highway with Speed Hump

Abstract: This article is related of traffic calming device by installing speed hump was found to inform people the potential of speed hump about not only how it can control vehicle speed and what is the main criterion in design, but also depict some problem occurring when we use speed hump in the field. The procedure for installation begins with the residents’ request and continues with traffic engineering studies to determine the need for speed hump. These studies include but are not limited to: safe sight distance, pedestrian studies, vehicle classification, traffic count, and average speed. “as built” plans, other control devices, and stop sign compliance should also be examined. If it is determined that speed humps are the best solution for a roadway, then the installation can begin. The humps installed should follow the design criteria. They should be 4 meter (12 feet) long and 8-10 centimeter (3-4 inches) high, have accompanying warming signs in accordance with manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and be painted with a pattern that makes them visible to drivers and provide a safe reasonable sight distance. If designed, installed, and maintained properly, speed humps can be a safe, effective method of reducing vehicle speeds through residential areas.

Uncertain Data and Confident Decisions: Winnipeg's Safety Performance Functions and Network Screening Project

Abstract: This paper presents modelling techniques for addressing three data reliability issues encountered in the City of Winnipeg safety performance functions (SPF) and network screening project: (A) uncertain traffic volume data, (B) non-uniform collision under-reporting linked to segment length, and, (C) missing traffic volume data for minor roads of an intersection. The first issue relates to uncertain traffic volume data. The City of Winnipeg uses short-term count stations and has a form of traffic data known as the weekday average daily traffic (WADT). The issue of data uncertainty is addressed by estimating the amount of error in the volume data that goes into the SPF and accounting for this error in the SPF development using a Monte Carlo-based modelling approach. The simulation approach maps traffic volume uncertainty to SPF parameter uncertainty. The second issue relates to non-uniform under-reporting linked to segment length. The non-uniform under-reporting of segment collisions resulted in a global and localized model bias. We introduce a new technique to detect, quantify, and correct this bias by using residuals analysis to stratify the population. The third issue relates to modelling intersections with missing minor street flow volumes. We apply an approach that uses the functional class of the intersections as proxies for the missing flow volumes. For each issue, we demonstrate quantitatively that good modelling results can be obtained despite input data limitations. Key conclusions are: (A) for traffic volume measurement errors of up to 30%, Monte Carlo analysis shows that the ability to create reliable SPFs is not affected; (B) residuals analysis to stratify a population according to non-uniform under-reporting can essentially eliminate global and local model bias, and (C) using a readily available proxy for a missing predictor variable can improve predictive ability by almost 50% (measured by mean absolute deviation) when compared to omitting that predictor variable entirely.