Performance comparison of two model based schemes for estimation of queue and delay at signalized intersections

Reliable estimation of performance measures such as queue and delay at intersections is important for the proper management of traffic. The information about these variables is valuable for the development of various traffic control strategies. The spatial nature of queue and delay makes their direct measurement a challenging task. The present study estimated these performance measures for the scenario when the queue ends within the advance detector using the data obtained from loop detectors installed at the entry and the exit of the intersection. A detailed analysis of the data obtained from loop detectors revealed that there were errors in the data. Two model based schemes, namely the occupancy based method and the queue clearance based method, were used for estimation of queue and delay using the erroneous data obtained from loop detectors. The results showed that the queue clearance based method was performing better while estimating queue and delay compared to the occupancy based method. Thus, the queue clearance based method would be valuable for the estimation of queues and delays while implementing with erroneous field data.