Traffic

Traffic refers to the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and goods on roadways.

It encompasses all users of the transportation system and is a fundamental aspect of
transportation planning and management. The image below shows an example of traffic.
(Image 1: Metro Manila, Image 2: Commonwealth Road)

Traffic Engineering

Traffic engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the planning,

design, and operation of roadways and traffic control systems to ensure the safe and
efficient movement of people and goods. From the figure below, we could observe the
two types of work for a traffic engineer. The first image depicts the onsite job of a traffic
engineer, here, they work directly in the field where they inspect and monitor actual traffic.
They use actual equipment to gather data such as cameras, radar guns and other manual
measures. On the other hand, the second image gives us an insight into the nature of the
work in the office of a traffic engineer. Here, their main objective is to design an effective
traffic flow, making use of the data gathered in order to adjust the period of traffic lights
and use of simulating softwares to study traffic patterns.
I. Goals of a Traffic Engineering

Monitoring Traffic

Traffic monitoring involves the systematic collection and analysis of data

regarding the use and performance of roadways. This data is crucial for assessing
traffic conditions, planning improvements, and ensuring efficient traffic
management. As stated above, we learned that traffic engineers have two ways of
monitoring traffic. They could observe traffic through surveillance cameras in the
office and study the patterns of traffic, giving them a way to see anomalies and
abnormalities and fixing them. On the other hand, they could also gather data on
the actual traffic by the use of various equipments.

Identifying Various Traffic Problems

Identifying traffic problems involves analyzing collected data to detect issues such
as congestion, accidents, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies in traffic flow. This
process is essential for developing targeted solutions to improve transportation
systems. The images below shows an excerpt from two of the major news bearers
in the Philippines. The first image highlights a heading “Worst day in the worst city:
December 15 was the slowest day on record in 2023, as it took the average driver
about 31 minutes and 50 seconds just to travel 10 kilometers”. The second image
states that “Filipinos lose 9 to 15 years of their lives sitting in traffic”. One of the
major problems in the Philippines is the traffic congestion. As per the Philippine
Congress Board, it takes an average of 37 minutes just to travel a 10 kilometer
route in Metro Manila.

Onsite and Offsite Monitoring of Traffic as a Method of Data

Gathering

Onsite Monitoring: Involves direct observation and data collection at specific

locations, such as intersections or road segments, using tools like sensors and
cameras.
Offsite Monitoring: Utilizes data collected remotely, often through technologies
like GPS, mobile applications, or third-party data providers, to assess traffic
conditions without being physically present.
Utilization of Data to Generate Solutions

Data collected from traffic monitoring is analyzed to identify patterns and

problems. This analysis informs the development of solutions such as traffic signal
adjustments, road design changes, or policy implementations aimed at improving
traffic conditions. One of the major applications of the data gathered is to adjust
the signal light. As defined in the chapter below (II. Traffic Equipment and Devices
and Methods - Traffic lights) we know that traffic lights are one of the major
regulators of traffic, traffic engineers study the flow of traffic and adjust the period
or the time of these signal lights. They could also use the data in order to know
what signal markers they should add and where they would place it. All of this is
for the intent of creating a more efficient flow of traffic.

Weighing the Solutions using the Most Safe, Efficient and Economical

Evaluating proposed traffic management solutions involves assessing their safety,

efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This ensures that implemented measures
provide the greatest benefit with the least negative impact.
II. Traffic Equipment and Devices and Method
To regulate and control the ongoing traffic, it is essential to use various devices
and equipment. Not only that it makes traffic management effective, but it also
keeps the safety of the road users, and most importantly, this will keep the
efficiency to the flow of the goods and services.
A. Signs
One of the major traffic equipment, signs are the visual symbols that
we see on the road, these are widely used globally. This communicates
essential information that every driver should know as they pass through
the road. This gives adequate guidance to the drivers that keeps them from
harm throughout the trip.

A.1 Regulatory Sign

These are the signs that the drivers should strictly follow.
Aligned with the law, these types of signs are mandatory that if disregarded,
would result in an offense.

A.2 Warning Signs

Moving on, warning signs give the drivers a notice that there
 is a potential hazard ahead and they should be prepared to do necessary
measures like reducing their speed, stopover and

A.3 Guide/Informative Signs

These type of signs give information about certain names and
locations of places and essential services for the drivers. Some of which
include the name of the road, distance to specific place, location of specific
services and tourist information.

B. Traffic Lights
This equipment is commonly seen on the road, particularly in some
intersections. Because the main purpose of this equipment is to control
 the flow of traffic by letting one road pass through in a period of time. The
green light is a sign for the vehicles to pass through, the amber light
signals the drivers to prepare and slow down as it would go down the red
light that signifies the drivers to stop.

C. Speed Control Measures

To lower speeds on a road with higher than acceptable speeds,
transportation professionals might use technical solutions and
countermeasures, commonly known as traffic calming. More generally,
engineering techniques and countermeasures can be applied to alter road
behavior and make it safer. A strategy is a plan or program that aims to
increase awareness of many safety factors that may affect driving at the
safest speed, such as speed, road context, and multiple road users.
Intentionally changing the road or the environment around it to influence
how drivers behave is known as a countermeasure.

C.1 Traditional Enforcement

To lower speeds on a road with higher than acceptable
speeds, transportation professionals might use technical solutions and
countermeasures, commonly known as traffic calming. More generally,
engineering techniques and countermeasures can be applied to alter road
behavior and make it safer. A strategy is a plan or program that aims to
increase awareness of many safety factors that may affect driving at the
safest speed, such as speed, road context, and multiple road users.
Intentionally changing the road or the environment around it to influence
how drivers behave is known as a countermeasure.

C.2 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)

Automated speed cameras, which use radar to record a
vehicle's speed and a camera to record the vehicle when the threshold
speed is exceeded, are another way to enforce speed limits. Following the
alleged infraction, violation notices are sent to the registered owners of the
identified cars, and violation evidence is processed and assessed in an
office setting. When deciding where and how to use automated speed
enforcement, transportation experts should consult with law enforcement
experts. Speed-on-green ASE, semi-fixed and mobile ASE units are
mounted to housing, a vehicle, or a trailer to enable mobile enforcement
as necessary, such as in construction zones; and fixed ASE devices are
permanently installed in fixed places, such as school zones.
D. Variable Message Signs
giving drivers crucial information on trip schedules, weather alerts,
and traffic conditions. A crucial part of contemporary transportation
networks are variable message signs, or VMS. These electronic signs,
sometimes referred to as "dynamic message signs," give drivers up-to-
date information about weather, traffic jams, road conditions, and other
important details. Because it allows transportation officials to react swiftly
and effectively to changing situations, VMS is therefore an essential part
of successful traffic management. Electronic signs known as variable
message signs (VMS) provide drivers with real-time message displays.
They are a useful tool for rapidly giving drivers information because they
can display text, symbols, and images. On highways, toll roads, bridges,
tunnels, and other significant thoroughfares, VMS signs are frequently
utilized.
 Applications for variable message signs are numerous and include
public transportation, emergency response, and traffic control. On
highways, they are frequently used to show information about risks,
construction, and traffic conditions. Additionally, they are employed in
disaster management to alert drivers of evacuation routes and other
emergency protocols. Arrival and departure times, delays, and other
service-related information are displayed on VMS signs in public transit.
III. Methods for Traffic Monitoring
A. Use of Infrared Sensors
Long wait times, unplanned accidents, and environmental pollution
are among the major issues in Iraqi cities and intersections, whereas
developed cities are working to lessen these issues. One of the most
significant crossroads in the center of Iraq is Holy Karbala, which is
constantly packed because of the annual pilgrimage of millions of people.
It was the case study that was suggested. In order to enhance the current
traffic network, this study used sensors and cloud and Internet of Things
(IoT) technologies to create and construct an intelligent traffic control
network based on an intelligent programming control algorithm. This
article addressed a number of issues that were brought. According to the
findings, it takes three seconds for a green signal to move between traffic
light systems. The system is characterized by efficient response, ease of
implementation, and satisfactory results with low cost (two types of
microcontrollers (48 $) and infrared (IR) sensors ($3.54 per piece)) and
without the difficult challenges associated with the curriculum as in the
previous studies. As stated in the research details, all five recommended
scenarios (TLS1, TLS2, TLS3, TLS4, and ring state) were implemented.

B. Surveillance Camera
 Traffic surveillance cameras play a crucial role in modern traffic
management. These devices enhance road safety by monitoring and
recording traffic activities. Effective traffic management ensures smoother
traffic flow and reduces accidents. Traffic surveillance cameras serve as a
deterrent to dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding and running
red lights. The purpose of this blog is to explore the key advantages of
traffic surveillance cameras.

These days, traffic surveillance cameras are essential instruments

for managing traffic. These gadgets keep an eye on and document traffic
patterns, supplying useful information for a range of uses. Pelco Traffic
Monitoring Cameras improve situational awareness with its high-definition
footage and sophisticated features. Proactive monitoring and actionable
insights are made possible by the integration of analytics driven by AI. For
critics and supporters alike, algorithmic oversight of CCTV footage offers a
glimpse of the security systems of the future, where there is simply too
much surveillance footage for human operators to physically watch. “The
software is an extension of the police,” says Noémie Levain, a member of
the activist group La Quadrature du Net, which opposes AI surveillance.
“It's the eyes of the police multiplied.”
 Recently, the Olympics were held in Paris, catering to international
tourists. The use of AI induced surveillance cameras enable them to
monitor the surge of traffic. Near the entrance of the Porte de Pantin metro
station, surveillance cameras are bolted to the ceiling, encased in an
easily-overlooked gray metal box. A small sign is pinned to the wall above
the bin, informing anyone willing to stop and read that they are part of an
“video surveillance analysis experiment.” The company which runs the
Paris metro RATP “is likely” to use “automated analysis in real time” of the
CCTV images “in which you can appear,” the sign explains to the oblivious
passengers rushing past. The experiment, it says, runs until March 2025.
 “What we're doing is transforming CCTV cameras into a powerful
monitoring tool,” says Matthias Houllier, cofounder of Wintics, one of four
French companies that won contracts to have their algorithms deployed at
the Olympics. “With thousands of cameras, it's impossible for police
officers [to react to every camera].”
C. Inductive Loop Detectors
Inductive loop detectors are a type of traffic sensor that uses the induced
current from a wire loop that is anchored to the pavement to distinguish
between various vehicle classes. Due to their excellent precision and
affordability, these are widely utilized on roads.

There are mainly three components for loop detectors that govern the
entire mechanism. One or more wire twists are placed in a saw-cut slot in
the road surface where cars will pass and must be detected in an
inductive loop detector. A cable connects the loop's ends to an electronic
amplifier, which is often located in the controller cabinet. Because the loop
detector can detect the presence or passage of the vehicle, it will provide
a new dimension to traffic control when the vehicle drives over the loop
and changes the loop magnetic field. This is then recognized by the
amplifier.

C.1 Isolated Intersection Control

The administration of a single traffic intersection separate from

neighboring intersections is known as isolated intersection control. At this
remote location, inductive loop detectors are incorporated into the road to
identify the presence of vehicles and the length of the line. In order to
effectively service waiting cars, these detectors assist in determining when
traffic signals should change. The control technique only considers
conditions at the specific intersection since there is no synchronization
with nearby signals. Usually, this configuration is employed in less
populated regions with far separated intersections or low traffic volumes.

C.2 Arterial Intersection Control

Managing a sequence of traffic lights along a major road or

corridor—often referred to as an arterial road—is known as arterial
intersection control. At strategic locations, inductive loop detectors are
positioned to track traffic patterns and assist in timing signals so that cars
come across consecutive green lights. The objective is to keep traffic
moving smoothly over the whole arterial route by reducing stops and
delays. Travel time, pollutants, and fuel usage are all decreased by this
synchronized strategy. It is particularly helpful in cities with heavy through-
traffic.

C.3 Closed Network Control

Within a restricted region, such a university campus or a Central

Business District (CBD), closed network control manages traffic lights. In
order to synchronize signal operations throughout the network, inductive
loop detectors give continuous traffic data from several crossings. Instead
of optimizing each intersection separately, this kind of control guarantees
effective vehicle movement throughout the network. Closed network
control optimizes travel times, lessens congestion, and increases
pedestrian safety by handling traffic holistically. It is frequently used in
places with large populations, heavy traffic, and intricate street grids.
C.4 Area-Wide System Control
All traffic signals within a certain geographic area are treated as a
single, cohesive system by area-wide system control. The overall goal of
the technique is to maximize traffic flow throughout the larger area, even
though some individual crossings may still function according to isolated
control principles. Inductive loop detectors are essential because they
provide central control systems with real-time traffic data. Signal timings
are then modified using this data in accordance with the traffic
circumstances, both present and predicted. Advanced traffic management
centers (TMCs) frequently support the strategy, which also improves
regional mobility and adaptive traffic management.
C.5 Priority Vehicle System Control

The purpose of priority vehicle system control is to identify and

provide room for particular high-priority vehicles, like public buses, fire
engines, and ambulances. To detect these cars as they get closer to
crossings, inductive loop detectors are positioned strategically. After
detection, the system can change the timing of the signals to give the car
a green light so it can pass through with the least amount of delay. This
enhances public transportation systems' dependability and emergency
response times. Public safety is enhanced by these technologies, which
also guarantee that vital services can continue to function effectively even
during periods of high traffic.
D. Distributed Acoustic Sensing
Systems called Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) use optical fibers to
detect vibrations and changes in strain. This extremely sensitive
technology is used to monitor vital infrastructure, such railroad tracks,
pipelines, and electricity cables. By continuously measuring the full length
of the cable, the fiber optic cable serves as a distributed acoustic sensor
that enables operators or automated systems to make well-informed
decisions and take customized preventive or corrective action. Events
including pipeline leaks, electrical cable malfunctions, and infiltration
activities are detected, identified, and located using classification
algorithms based on machine learning and artificial intelligence.

A viable method for real-time traffic monitoring is distributed acoustic

sensing (DAS) technology, which uses fiber optic connections to detect
vibrations and acoustic events. With an emphasis on real-time processing
via edge computing, we provide a novel approach in this study for vehicle
detection and tracking using DAS data. We use the Hough transform to
identify straight-line segments in the spatiotemporal DAS data that
correspond to cars traversing Norway's Astfjord bridge. To improve
accuracy and reduce noise, these segments are then grouped using the
Density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN)
technique, which combines several detections of the same vehicle.

The examination of 24-hour traffic patterns showed recurring patterns over

the various days of the week, providing faster travel times to Trondheim
and more traffic on the weekends. Additionally, we noticed that cars
typically drive quicker in the early morning and evening when there is less
traffic. Additionally, we were able to categorize cars into light and heavy
classifications according to the frequency and strength of the DAS signal
content, offering information about the makeup of traffic.
E. GPS Data
One of the emerging traffic monitoring system is the use of our
mobile devices, specifically the gps data. Gps data is a strong tracking
chip found in various devices. The advances in technology has allowed
this tracking to be used in monitoring the speed of vehicles. One of the
emerging developments is the Mobile Millennium traffic-monitoring
system, which is presently in use at UC Berkeley, incorporates a variety of
feeds into traffic models that broadcast real-time traffic data on highways
and arterials. The feeds contain information from radar, loop detectors,
historical databases, GPS-enabled cell phones, and all of San Francisco's
taxis (via GPS). High privacy protections were incorporated by the team,
separating position data from personal phone user information. These
included employing "virtual trip lines" to gather the data, which are data
collection locations that only provide traffic data and do not identify a
user's personal information, and using banking-grade encryption to send
the data.

The Mobile Century project was started as a result of contacts

formed at the Helsinki workshop and conversations on the possible use of
mobile phones and navigation technologies to track traffic movement in
real time. The goal of Mobile Century was to evaluate the feasibility of
gathering traffic data from GPS-enabled cell phones in 100 cars traveling
a 10-mile section of a San Francisco Bay Area roadway. The phones
stored vehicle position and speed data every three seconds, effectively
acting as car probes. Wireless transmission of these measurements to a
server allowed for real-time processing. In order to compile traffic data
from GPS-enabled devices, algorithms and data gathering systems were
designed and developed thanks to the Mobile Century project.