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

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

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

4. Background Challenge #1 High Traffic Congestion

5. Background Challenge #2 Convention Center Events

6. Background Challenge #3 Convention Center Expansion

7. OCCC Expansion Facts 3 million square foot complex: MULTIPLE EVENTS
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

8. OCCC New Building

9. Background Challenge #4 Unpredictable Tourist Traffic

10. Background Challenge #5 Closely Spaced Signals

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

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

13. 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

14. How SCOOT Works
Vehicle Detector
Local Controller
Central Computer

15. 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)

16. 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

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

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

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

20. 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

21. 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 Tuning intersection
Central Hardware/Software $50,000

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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. Thank You! Hazem El-Assar, P.E. Senior Engineer
Orange County Traffic Engineering
4200 S John Young Pkwy
Orlando, FL 32839
Ph: (407)
Fx: (407)