MULTIBAND-96: A program for variable-bandwidth progression optimization of multiarterial traffic networks

Progression schemes are widely used for traffic signal control in urban arterial streets. Commonly available programs such as the MAXBAND or PASSER programs use the traditional approach, which consists of a uniform bandwidth design for each arterial. The multiband criterion, on the other hand, has the ability to adapt the progressions to the specific characteristics of each link in the network and thus obtain improved performance. The development and application of the multiband signal optimization scheme in multiarterial grid networks are described. The MULTIBAND-96 model optimizes all the signal control variables, including phase lengths, offsets, cycle time, and phase sequences, and generates variable bandwidth progressions on each arterial in the network. It uses the MINOS mathematical programming package for the optimization and offers considerable advantages compared with existing models. Simulation results using TRAF-NETSIM are given.