Modelling of delay induced by downstream traffic disturbances at signalised intersection

This paper presents models to estimate delay at signalised intersections that is induced or caused by downstream traffic disturbances. The models use basic traffic flow properties, control parameters at neighbouring intersections, and roadway characteristics. The results show that delay caused by downstream disturbances can be significant and therefore must be considered in Level of Service and capacity evaluation. The results show that dynamic control becomes critical when downstream disturbances are frequent, and that certain control parameters such as offsets and green splits at upstream and downstream approaches play a key role in reducing such delay.