Optimization of Signal Timing for the Contraflow Left-Turn Lane at Signalized Intersections Based on Delay Analysis

Bo Feng, Mingming Zheng () and Yan Liu
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Bo Feng: School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China
Mingming Zheng: School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China
Yan Liu: School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-23

Abstract: The exit-lanes for a left-turn (EFL) is an unconventional method of organizing traffic for left-turns at signalized intersections. In this paper, we propose a nonlinear optimization model to minimize delay by establishing a delay-time diagram for the left-turn traffic when the left-turn traffic is non-oversaturated, considering the relationship between the pre-signal start node of the exit-lanes for a left-turn and the queuing dissipation time of left-turn vehicles. Model validation is performed with example calculations to compare and analyze each operating index and fleet type after signal timing optimization of intersection lane borrowing left-turn lanes. The results show that compared with the conventional left-turn lane, the average delay of vehicles operating with the model decreased by 15.7%, exhaust emission decreased by 11.4%, and capacity increased by 65.7%. The model can support EFL pre-signal design, where signal control is related to queue dissipation time. In practice, a well-designed pre-signal control scheme based on traffic volume can improve capacity and reduce emissions while minimizing average vehicle delays.

Keywords: exit-lanes for left-turn; signal timing; vehicle average delay; evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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