Multi-Level Conditional Transit Signal Priority in Connected Vehicle Environments

Connected Vehicles (CV) are an emerging technology with a large potential to improve traffic operations and safety. This paper develops and tests advanced CV-based multi-level conditional Transit Signal Priority (TSP). The algorithms are using the latitude/longitude (lat/lon) coordinates of CV vehicles and intersections to establish communication, share information and request priority. The TSP strategies are implemented through controllers’ built-in features and logic processor, using Econolite ASC/3 as a representative traffic signal controller. The tests were performed in VISSIM microsimulation with the ASC/3 Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) controller emulator. State Street in Salt Lake City, UT, is selected as a test-case corridor. The paper shows that the developed signal control priority (SCP) algorithms are successful in reducing delays for target vehicles in excess of 6%, without significant impacts on other traffic. The information obtained from CV vehicles can be used to further enhance control algorithms and create adaptive SCP programs.