Traffic Control On Arterial Streets

This handbook, which was developed in recognition of the need for the compilation and dissemination of information on advanced traffic control systems, presents the basic principles for the planning, design, and implementation of such systems for urban streets and freeways. The presentation concept and organization of this handbook is developed from the viewpoint of systems engineering. Traffic control studies are described, and traffic control and surveillance concepts are reviewed. Hardware components are outlined, and computer concepts, and communication concepts are stated. Local and central controllers are described, as well as display, television and driver information systems. Available systems technology and candidate system definition, evaluation and implementation are also covered. The management of traffic control systems is discussed.

At the close of the year 1900, motor vehicle registrations throughout the United States totaled 8000. These vehicles rode on unpaved and often dusty country roads. The only problem of traffic was an occasional pedestrian or a frightened horse or cow frenzied by the roar of this new creature. Today more than 82,000,000 registrations, representing 50% of the world's automobiles, are recorded in this country. In 1963 these vehicles traveled 798 billion miles over newly constructed modern highways, expressways, freeways, quickways, and thru ways, as well as improved rural and urban roads and streets. Out of all this has sprung the traffic engineer. Today's modern roadway is an engineering structure which has been developed through sound principles of design with provisions for safety and efficiency. An example of this safety factor can be found by the exacting specifications for cross sections, grades, roadside control, medians, and other design features. For many years, the responsi bility for controlling traffic fell naturally into the domain of the police. However, as traffic increased, many problems developed which were beyond the scope of normal police work. Since the highway system is an engineering structure which requires an engi neering approach to appraise operating problems and engineering techniques to solve them, the traffic engineer came into being.