A Technique for Control of Traffic at Critical Intersections

An algorithm for control of queue lengths at oversaturated intersections oriented towards delaying spillback across upstream intersections as long as possible is described. It is based on determining the change in queue and the allotment of available green time so as to keep the ratio of the actual queues to the maximum link storage space on both phases equal. The mathematical development of the algorithm is described in terms of a Z transform analysis, and the conditions for stability are derived. The resulting mathematical model is linear with the exception of a saturation type nonlinearity caused by the physical requirement to limit split. A describing function analysis is used to demonstrate loop stability in the presence of the nonlinearity.