TITLE:
Test a Queue Detection System for Special Events in Nevada
AUTHORS:
Hualiang Harry Teng, Xuecai Xu, Venkatesan Muthukumar, A. Reed Gibby
KEYWORDS:
ITS Technology; Special Events
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Transportation Technologies,
Vol.4 No.1,
January
26,
2014
ABSTRACT: Queue detection systems have been used in traffic
management in work zones and have also been recommended for traffic control for
special events like sports and conventions. However, they have not been tested
in the field. This paper presents the results of tests for a queue detection
system at two special events in Las Vegas, Nevada. The system consisted of two
vision detectors, radio frequency communications and one changeable message
sign. Two aspects of the system were evaluated: the effectiveness of the system
in reducing speeds and the cost and effectiveness of its deployment. In the tests,
traffic data such as queue length and vehicle operating speeds were collected and
analyzed to see whether motorists respond congestion related message on the
changeable message sign when they did not perceive the congestion. By this
approach, the motorists’ true responses to the system were identified. The
results indicated that motorists did make positive responses to the messages
provided by the system. However, it was found that the system may not be cost-effective
because significant costs would be incurred in purchasing, installation and
maintenance of the system. Recommendations were provided to utilize existing
message signs and detectors to provide the same information to motorists as a
queue detection system does.