After presence detection, adaptive signal control, and transit signal priority were implemented on the Atlanta Smart Corridor total fuel consumption decreased by 34 percent across all peak periods.

Smart Corridor experience in Atlanta, Georgia

Date Posted
10/31/2011
Identifier
2011-B00761
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Atlanta Smart Corridor Project Evaluation Report

Summary Information

The Atlanta Smart Corridor project evaluated the implementation of SCATS (Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System) and Transit Signal Priority (TSP) as an integrated system designed to improve mobility, reduce emissions, and decrease the costs of delay and fuel consumption on an 8.2 mile section of US 41/Cobb Parkway/Northside Parkway located between the City of Marietta and Atlanta, Georgia. The project included three jurisdictions (City of Marietta, Cobb County, and City of Atlanta).

The project scope of work included the deployment of SCATS adaptive signal control hardware and software, TSP equipment, and presence detection (inductive loops and video detection cameras) at 18 intersections. In addition, new traffic signal controller cabinets, traffic signal heads, pedestrian signals, and pedestrian accommodations meeting ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards were installed as needed.

Prior to the upgrade project, SCATS software was installed on a central server and made operational at the Cobb County TCC (Traffic Control Center). The City of Marietta and the City of Atlanta used regional computers to communicate with the Cobb County server and coordinate cross-jurisdictional control of adjacent traffic signals. TSP was enabled by modifying existing hardware and software used for emergency vehicle priority systems. In the City of Atlanta and Cobb County, additional upgrades were required at 15 intersections where two TSP detectors and a phase selector were installed at each intersection. All 60 CCT (Cobb Community Transit) buses were equipped with TSP emitters.
METHODOLOGY

A before and after study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of both SCATS and TSP. For the SCATS study, travel time, delay, and stop statistics were recorded from probe vehicles traveling along the project corridor. The TSP study used riders to collect bus route timestamp and delay data at various bus stops and intersections on CCT Bus Route 10. Five (5) performance measures were evaluated, including: average travel time, standard deviation of average travel time, intersection stop rate, average intersection stop time, and on-time performance level of service.

Baseline data collection began in November 2009. After the system was implemented, tested, and accepted, post deployment data were collected in June 2010. Researchers examined normal peak period traffic flows (AM, Midday, and PM) in both directions of travel.

FINDINGS

After the system was implemented, fuel consumption decreased significantly as a result of reduced idling and more constant speeds along the corridor. The largest overall improvement was in the AM peak, with a 40 percent reduction in fuel consumption. The Noon peak saw an overall reduction of three percent, and the PM peak remained the same. The total reduction in fuel consumption across all peak periods was 34 percent.
Deployment Locations