Statement of Work for Improving Traffic Signal Timing for Evacuation

COTM Name: Vince Pearce

Objective

This study will assess the changes needed to signal timing to facilitate evacuation and response to a disaster in an urban area, and will provide technical guidance to assist state and local transportation agencies in developing appropriate signal timing plans.

Background

Traffic signals significantly impact the rapid movement of urban populations out of a hazardous (or potentially hazardous) zone following a totally unexpected disaster, as well as the ability of responders to get to and from the incident scene. It appears that most evacuation-oriented timing plans make simplistic assumptions, and probably optimize some movements at the expense of inhibiting others.

Scope

Task 1

Develop a timeline for the tasks to be undertaken in this project, submit the timeline for FHWA approval, and shall revise it as appropriate. Organize a kickoff conference call or meeting to discuss the project plan and timeline with the FHWA COTM. Document discussion and conclusions from the kickoff.

Task 2

Conduct a literature search for relevant material. Gather the material that is identified, and synthesize the findings related to signal optimization techniques supporting evacuation and response. Identify both consistencies and inconsistencies among the findings, and explore possible reasons for the inconsistencies.

Task 3

Contact state and local transportation agencies in areas that are subject to periodic disasters, such as hurricanes, as well as those that have experienced major disasters such as the 9/11 Attack on America. Examine and characterize the signal timing plans that have been developed by these agencies based on their evacuation and response experiences. Inquire with the agencies regarding the factors they considered in developing/refining these plans, and the feedback about the effectiveness of these plans, and any unexpected (or expected) side effects.

Task 4

Obtain an existing microsimulation model of a moderately sized metropolitan area or a region of a larger metropolitan area. Develop three disaster scenarios requiring evacuation of a large portion of the population, and significant response to the incident scene. Conduct simulations of evacuation to test the signal timing concepts identified in the literature search and the scan of disaster-experienced cities. Conduct a sufficient number of runs under each scenario and plan to generate statistically valid results. Compare the results of the simulations and draw conclusions.

Task 5

Based on the comparison of concepts, develop recommendations that state and local agencies can apply to develop their own evacuation signal timing plans. Be clear regarding the types of street configuration, incident type/location, and other factors that may influence the type of timing plan that is/are chosen.

Task 6

Incorporate all findings into a final report.