Evaluation and Effectiveness of Reallocating Traffic Signal Timing at Corridors with High Freight Volume

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered traffic patterns across the globe. With more people staying at home and relying on delivery services, there was a reduction in passenger car traffic but an increase in freight traffic. This study investigates the changes in traffic volume and mode splits during the COVID-19 pandemic at the intersection of Broening Highway and Holabird Avenues and investigates traffic signal reallocation strategies that account for the changes in traffic. This study considers morning peak traffic volumes before and during COVID. A methodology was developed to evaluate and measure freight volumes and emissions. From the literature, the cost per kilogram of CO, VOC, and NOx was $5.85, $3,37, and $12.53, respectively. The intersection operated at a level of service (LOS) of C both pre-COVID and during COVID. Traffic volume decreased by 24.3% during COVID at the study location; car volumes declined by 50%, and truck volumes increased by 130%. The total rate of emissions decreased by 22.6%.