Designing Optimized Traffic Signals and Systems
Using Visual TEAPAC, PASSER, TRANSYT and CORSIM

Course Description

Optimal timing plans are essential to the proper evaluation of traffic signal planning, design and operation efforts and to assure efficient traffic movement on streets. Several nationally recognized traffic signal programs are available to assist the analyst in this regard. These include Visual TEAPAC, PASSER, TRANSYT and CORSIM.  The goal of this course is to provide participants with a basic understanding of how to use these programs, both mechanically and procedurally, for signal evaluation and optimization efforts consisting of a wide range of signal control conditions, including individual signals and coordinated systems.

The course consists of lectures and hands-on use of microcomputers.  Lectures cover the basics of traffic signal analysis and optimization techniques, demonstrations of the software and details of recommended procedures.  Realistic numerical examples and hands-on exercise problems supplement the lectures, and the use of specific computer software provides participants with an opportunity to learn and understand the programs and procedures.

Instructor

Dennis Strong is President of Strong Concepts, Northbrook, Illinois.  The firm's primary area of practice is in the development of integrated traffic engineering software and related training.  Mr. Strong is a respected lecturer whose unique teaching style has been applauded world-wide, while at the same time a recognized expert in the analysis, evaluation, and operational design of traffic signals and systems, and in the development and use of computer software related to this field.  He has over 30 years of professional experience in these areas, and is the developer of the following Visual TEAPAC software used in the course: SIGNAL2000, NOSTOP, PREPASSR, PRETRANSYT and PRENETSIM.  Mr. Strong is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois and is a registered Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE).  He is also the past chairman of the Signalized Intersection Subcommittee of the TRB Highway Capacity and Quality of Service Committee, which authors the Highway Capacity Manual.

Software Used in Course

SIGNAL2000/TEAPAC from Strong Concepts performs capacity analyses which duplicate the worksheet calculations of Chapter 16 of the latest version of the Highway Capacity Manual, the 2000 HCM, as well as provides optimization of split timings, cycle length and phasings for the signal based on these 2000 HCM capacity analyses

NOSTOP/TEAPAC from Strong Concepts provides simplified arterial bandwidth progression solutions, optimizing both system cycle length and offsets for two-way, prioritized progression.

PASSER II is a state-sponsored program from Texas, which optimizes offsets and splits for arterial progression over a range of cycle lengths.

PREPASSR/TEAPAC from Strong Concepts prepares input for PASSER-II in a simplified format and analyzes the results in a clear and concise manner. Input for PREPASSR can come directly from SIGNAL2000, PRETRANSYT or PRENETSIM, if desired, allowing transfer of input and results between these four programs.

TRANSYT-7F is a federally sponsored program from McTrans, which optimizes offsets, splits and system cycles for arterial or network signal systems.

PRETRANSYT/TEAPAC from Strong Concepts prepares input for TRANSYT in a simplified format and analyzes the results in a clear and concise manner. Input for PRETRANSYT can come directly from SIGNAL2000, PREPASSR or PRENETSIM, if desired, allowing transfer of input and results between these four programs.

TRAF-NETSIM/CORSIM is a federally sponsored program from FHWA, which performs microscopic, stochastic simulation and animation of a signalized network.

PRENETSIM/TEAPAC from Strong Concepts prepares input for NETSIM/CORSIM in a simplified format. Input for PRENETSIM can come directly from SIGNAL2000, PREPASSR or PRETRANSYT, if desired, allowing transfer of input and results between these four programs.

Outline of Course

I. Introduction

1. Introduction

II. Timing Individual Intersections

2. 2000 HCM Capacity Analysis
3. SIGNAL2000 Discussion and Demo
4. SIGNAL2000 Hands-on Exercise #S2K1
5. Recommended Procedures

III. Simulation and Animation of Intersections

6. NETSIM/CORSIM Discussion and Demo
7. PRENETSIM Discussion and Demo
8. PRENETSIM/NETSIM Hands-on Exercise #PNT1
9. Recommended Procedures

IV. Simplified Arterial Bandwidth Optimization

10. Bandwidth Optimization
11. NOSTOP Discussion and Demo
12. NOSTOP Hands-on Exercise #NST1
13. Recommended Procedures

V. Complete Arterial Bandwidth Optimization

14. PASSER-II Discussion and Demo
15. PREPASSR Discussion and Demo
16. PREPASSR/PASSER Hands-on Exercise #PPS1
17. Recommended Procedures

VI. Comprehensive Arterial Optimization, Simulation & Animation

18. Bandwidth Limitations
19. TRANSYT-7F Discussion and Demo
20. PRETRANSYT Discussion and Demo
21. PRETRANSYT/TRANSYT Hands-on Exercise #PTR1
22. Recommended Procedures

VII. Special Optimization Situations

23. Recommended Procedures
24. Summary and Course Evaluation

this page last updated July 27, 2006