A Differential Evolution Algorithm-Based Traffic Control Model for Signalized Intersections

Sustainable management of traffic flows at signalized intersections is an important issue in terms of traffic engineering. The minimization of lost time, emission, fuel consumption, etc., can be achieved by optimization-based intersection management. In this study, a new traffic signal control model is developed for the management of three-leg signalized intersections. In the proposed model, signal timing and signal phasing are optimized simultaneously using Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm which is one of the population-based metaheuristic algorithms. The effectiveness of the model is tested on sample traffic scenarios with VISSIM simulation software considering average vehicle delay performance criteria. Results show that the proposed approach may reduce the average vehicle delay between the rates of 28%-42% and 3%-38% comparing to the optimum fixed-time signal control and vehicle-actuated signal control for tested scenarios, respectively.