Transportation Research Board2004 Annual Meeting
Adaptive Signal Control Workshop
Session 2: Field Experience
January 11, 2004
By: Hazem El-Assar, P.E.By: Hazem El-Assar, P.E.
Orange County SCOOT SystemOrange County SCOOT System
Presentation Outline
• Background Challenges
• Potential Solutions
• Why SCOOT?
• Project Description
• Benefits Achieved
• Difficulties Faced
• Lessons Learned
OCCC Expansion Facts
• 3 million square foot complex:– 2.1 million s.f. of exhibition space– 166,050 s.f. of meeting rooms – 92,000 s.f. of general assembly space – 3,600 parking spaces – Total cost $748 million – Opened November 2003
MULTIPLE EVENTS UP TO 80,000 ATTENDEES EACH
Background Challenge #4 Background Challenge #4 Unpredictable Tourist TrafficUnpredictable Tourist Traffic
Potential Solutions
• Free uncoordinated signals
• Officer traffic control
• TOD signal coordination
• Traffic Responsive Plans
• Adaptive Signal Control
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SCOOT Adaptive Signal ControlSCOOT Adaptive Signal Control
Why SCOOT?
• Uses real-time upstream flow to adjust timing• Better suited for high volume minor movements• Widely used worldwide since 1981• Compatible with County’s existing Eagle signal
controllers• No need for additional field staff training• More cost effective installation under current
conditions
Local ControllerLocal Controller
Vehicle DetectorVehicle Detector
Central ComputerCentral Computer
How SCOOT WorksHow SCOOT Works
Central Computer
• SCOOT server– DEC Alpha running VMS
• Operator workstations– PC running Windows– LAN connected via X-Windows emulation– Remote dial-ins via terminal servers– Interface to existing network and workstations
using MONARC (now ACTRA)
Communication System
• Transmission Media
– County-owned fiber optic on arterial streets
– FDOT fiber optic on I-4
• Communications Methodology
– Single Mode fiber optic
– Multi Mode fiber optic
Local Controllers
• Existing cabinets
• New Eagle EPAC 300 controllers with SCOOT module
• Dedicated communication unit
• SCOOT detectors
General location:General location:
• International DriveInternational Drive
• Universal BoulevardUniversal Boulevard
Primarily Serving:Primarily Serving:
• Convention CenterConvention Center
• Parking GaragesParking Garages
• Hotels & RestaurantsHotels & Restaurants
• Tourist AttractionsTourist Attractions
Phase I
Phase II
Project LocationProject Location
Phase III
Project Schedule
• Phase I: May 2000 – 7 New Signals
• Phase II: November 2001 – 6 New Signals
• Phase III: October 2003 – 4 New Signals – 2 Modified Signals
Project Scope
• Replace existing controllers• Install fiber optic communications• Install loop detectors• Provide central hardware and software• Setup and validate the system• Design system maps and intersection graphics• Provide training to County staff
Project Costs
• Controller Upgrades $2,500 - $5,000/ intersection
• Detectors $10,000-15,000/ intersection
• Communications $2,500-$5,000/ intersection
• System Configuration, $5,000-$7,500/Validation, Fine Tuning intersection
• Central Hardware/Software $50,000
Operational Benefits Achieved
• Convention Center traffic ingress & egress has Convention Center traffic ingress & egress has been cleared efficientlybeen cleared efficiently
• Overall travel times and delays have been reducedOverall travel times and delays have been reduced• Officer control of signals is no longer necessaryOfficer control of signals is no longer necessary• Regular development and update of timing plans Regular development and update of timing plans
is not necessaryis not necessary• Timing adjustment during long or short term lane Timing adjustment during long or short term lane
closures is not necessaryclosures is not necessary• Real-time traffic data are monitored and archivedReal-time traffic data are monitored and archived
Annual Cost Comparison
• Detectors +$1,000/intersection• Support Agreement +$34,000• Central System $0• Controllers $0• Communications $0• Staff $0• Manual Traffic Control -$450,000
Net Annual Savings ~$400,000
Difficulties Faced
• No detectors on short links
• Long pedestrian phases
• Non-flexible phasing sequence
• Low volume traffic conditions
• Non-optimal signal progression
• Insufficient staff experience
• Only remote technical support
Lessons Learned
• TOD plans may provide better progression for recurring traffic conditions
• Negative impacts may occur in low volume traffic conditions
• Pre-determine optimal phasing based on traffic conditions or using other software
• Place detectors on all lanes, if possible• Avoid long pedestrian crossings
Thank You!
Hazem El-Assar, P.E.
Senior Engineer
Orange County Traffic Engineering
4200 S John Young Pkwy
Orlando, FL 32839
Ph: (407) 836-7866
Fx: (407) 836-7825
E-mail: [email protected]
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