Skip to main content

Adaptive signal control report

A study of McCain’s QuicTrac adaptive control software, deployed over a year ago by the Californian city of Temecula, has highlighted the array of benefits achievable through an adaptive system. The survey calculated the arterials’ level of service, measured in delay per vehicle, both pre- and post-deployment, evaluating the systems’ benefit-to-cost ratio and environmental impact.
April 30, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSA study of 5198 McCain’s QuicTrac adaptive control software, deployed over a year ago by the Californian city of Temecula, has highlighted the array of benefits achievable through an adaptive system. The survey calculated the arterials’ level of service, measured in delay per vehicle, both pre- and post-deployment, evaluating the systems’ benefit-to-cost ratio and environmental impact.

Considerable congestion levels and queuing on off-ramps during rush hours led the city of Temecula to seek out a solution that would lower congestion and maximise thoroughfare at minimal expense to the city. McCain’s adaptive signal control system was used to optimise signal timing along 83 intersections spanning 29kms of the city’s busiest corridors, including seven traffic signals located at the I-15 freeway interchange.

QuicTrac adaptive signal control reduced delays at 81.3 per cent of the study intersections, yielding a 14 per cent citywide improvement in travel time, 17 per cent increase in corridor speeds, as well as 29 per cent less stops. In addition, the solution delivered a 30:1 benefit-to-cost ratio to the city and is projected to save commuters US$2.6 million in first year travel time and $437,000 in first year fuel costs.

QuicTrac adaptive control software operates through the collection and analysis of real-time data from field detectors, loops or video, establishing traffic flow and demand. The software then runs a series of advanced algorithms to determine and coordinate optimum signal timing for the entire corridor. By coordinating traffic signals based on current conditions, the technology provides a series of green lights, expediting groups of vehicles through arterials.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • California traffic management system using simulation has successful trial
    May 16, 2014
    A complex online modelling system for integrating traffic management on the southern Californian road system has successfully completed a major operational trial this spring The "decision support system" uses the collection of data about the local interstate I-15 and many of the roads which feed into it or lead away from it, to build a comprehensive picture of traffic flows, working with a variety of city agencies, federal highway administration and services such as police and crash data. Data from e
  • St. Louis to deploy TransCore's TransSuite
    April 26, 2012
    Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has awarded TransCore a US$3.3 million contract to replace its existing traffic management software system and integrate the company's TransSuite traffic management software into the Gateway Guide programme, a system designed to relieve congestion and improve safety in the St. Louis area, the state’s largest city. With an existing TransSuite deployment in Kansas City, MoDOT looked to TransCore to bring its products to bear in their largest urban area. A detail
  • McCain cabinet meets Austin’s intersection needs
    April 26, 2012
    McCain, a leading manufacturer and supplier of ITS, traffic control equipment and parking guidance solutions, has been awarded a one-year purchase order contract for intelligent traffic signal cabinets from the city of Austin, Texas. Seeking a solution that would address the challenge of running closely spaced intersections in an efficient, safe, and synchronised manner, city traffic engineers made the strategic decision to move to an ITS cabinet platform. McCain's 342 ITS cabinet's advanced design and ampl
  • Swarco acquires parking business from McCain
    May 13, 2013
    Swarco Traffic Americas has acquired the parking business unit from McCain for an undisclosed sum. This business uses LED signs, single space indicators and software to provide real-time information to motorists and parking operators. The purchase of McCain’s parking guidance system will allow Swarco Traffic Americas to broaden its product offering in the US. Swarco is already a major player in Europe and this deal strengthens its international position. The move boosts Swarco’s range of technology as McCai