Adaptive Signal Control for Urban Intersections: PTV Vissim Simulation-Based Assessment of Vehicle-Responsive Strategies in Chandigarh, India

Urban growth and increasing traffic volumes have intensified congestion at signalized intersections, posing a critical challenge to mobility and road network efficiency. This study investigates the potential of vehicle-actuated signal control as a dynamic alternative to conventional pre-timed systems at a high-demand four-arm intersection in Chandigarh, India. Three adaptive signal control models were developed and evaluated through microscopic traffic simulation using PTV Vissim. Models were developed based on queue length simulated using field traffic flow survey parameters. Performance was assessed against key operational metrics including stop delay, total vehicle delay, queue length, average travel time, and total red-light duration during peak hours. Comparative analysis reveals that the occupancy-time-based model yielded the most effective results, reducing stop delays by approximately 29% and enhancing travel time by 17% compared to traditional fixed-cycle operation. The findings underscore the efficacy of real-time, responsive signal controls in mitigating urban intersection delays and offer a reliable model configuration for adaptive traffic management systems in rapidly urbanizing contexts.