Transportation Research Board 2004 Annual Meeting Adaptive Signal Control Workshop Session 2: Field Experience January 11, 2004

By: Hazem El-Assar, P.E. Orange County SCOOT System

Presentation Outline Background Challenges Potential Solutions Why SCOOT? Project Description Benefits Achieved Difficulties Faced Lessons Learned

Background Challenge #1 High Traffic Congestion Background Challenge #1 High Traffic Congestion

Background Challenge #2 Convention Center Events

Background Challenge #3 Background Challenge #3 Convention Center Expansion

OCCC Expansion Facts 3 million square foot complex: –2.1 million s.f. of exhibition space –166,050 s.f. of meeting rooms –92,000 s.f. of general assembly space –3,600 parking spaces –Total cost $748 million –Opened November 2003 MULTIPLE EVENTS UP TO 80,000 ATTENDEES EACH

OCCC New Building

Background Challenge #4 Unpredictable Tourist Traffic

Background Challenge #5 Closely Spaced Signals

Potential Solutions Free uncoordinated signals Officer traffic control TOD signal coordination Traffic Responsive Plans Adaptive Signal Control

S O O echnique plit ffset ptimization C T ycle SCOOT Adaptive Signal Control

Why SCOOT? Uses real-time upstream flow to adjust timing Better suited for high volume minor movements Widely used worldwide since 1981 Compatible with County’s existing Eagle signal controllers No need for additional field staff training More cost effective installation under current conditions

Local Controller Vehicle Detector Central Computer How SCOOT Works

Central Computer SCOOT server –DEC Alpha running VMS Operator workstations –PC running Windows –LAN connected via X-Windows emulation –Remote dial-ins via terminal servers –Interface to existing network and workstations using MONARC (now ACTRA)

Communication System Transmission Media –County-owned fiber optic on arterial streets –FDOT fiber optic on I-4 Communications Methodology –Single Mode fiber optic –Multi Mode fiber optic

Local Controllers Existing cabinets New Eagle EPAC 300 controllers with SCOOT module Dedicated communication unit SCOOT detectors

General location: International Drive International Drive Universal Boulevard Universal Boulevard Primarily Serving: Convention Center Convention Center Parking Garages Parking Garages Hotels & Restaurants Hotels & Restaurants Tourist Attractions Tourist Attractions Phase I Phase II Project Location Phase III

Project Schedule Phase I: May 2000 –7 New Signals Phase II: November 2001 –6 New Signals Phase III: October 2003 –4 New Signals –2 Modified Signals

Project Scope Replace existing controllers Install fiber optic communications Install loop detectors Provide central hardware and software Setup and validate the system Design system maps and intersection graphics Provide training to County staff

Project Costs Controller Upgrades$2,500 - $5,000/ intersection Detectors$10,000-15,000/ intersection Communications$2,500-$5,000/ intersection System Configuration,$5,000-$7,500/ Validation, Fine Tuningintersection Central Hardware/Software$50,000

Operational Benefits Achieved Convention Center traffic ingress & egress has been cleared efficientlyConvention Center traffic ingress & egress has been cleared efficiently Overall travel times and delays have been reducedOverall travel times and delays have been reduced Officer control of signals is no longer necessaryOfficer control of signals is no longer necessary Regular development and update of timing plans is not necessaryRegular development and update of timing plans is not necessary Timing adjustment during long or short term lane closures is not necessaryTiming adjustment during long or short term lane closures is not necessary Real-time traffic data are monitored and archivedReal-time traffic data are monitored and archived

Annual Cost Comparison Detectors+$1,000/intersection Support Agreement+$34,000 Central System$0 Controllers $0 Communications$0 Staff$0 Manual Traffic Control-$450,000 Net Annual Savings~$400,000

Difficulties Faced No detectors on short links Long pedestrian phases Non-flexible phasing sequence Low volume traffic conditions Non-optimal signal progression Insufficient staff experience Only remote technical support

Lessons Learned TOD plans may provide better progression for recurring traffic conditions Negative impacts may occur in low volume traffic conditions Pre-determine optimal phasing based on traffic conditions or using other software Place detectors on all lanes, if possible Avoid long pedestrian crossings

Thank You! Hazem El-Assar, P.E. Senior Engineer Orange County Traffic Engineering 4200 S John Young Pkwy Orlando, FL Ph: (407) Fx: (407)