Traffic Signal Optimization Using Genetic Algorithms

Due to the daily increasement in traffic, the total delay of roads increases which will decrease the roads level of service. Accordingly, there is a need to optimize the traffic signals to adapt to the variation in traffic at different times throughout the day. This paper focuses on solving the problem of urban congestion by optimizing the effective green time ratio of a given intersection under oversaturated conditions. The model employs genetic algorithm as it proved to be beneficial in solving such complex problems in multiple ways. The model was, then, validated using a real case study that was in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, and UAE. The real case study was initially analyzed using “Synchro Traffic,” and the green timing, delays, and level of service were calculated. The results were, then, compared against the optimized green time, delay, and level of service obtained from the proposed genetic algorithm (GA) model, and recommendations and conclusion are highlighted.