CTS Webinar: Max-Pressure Signal Timing on Minnesota Roads

Monday, November 20, 2023, 3:00–4:30 pm
 Virtual

About the Event

Eliminating intersection bottlenecks is one of the most persistent and difficult challenges for traffic engineers. A new mathematical theory called max-pressure (MP) signal control has been proven to achieve maximum throughput for entire city road networks, but it has not yet been used in practice. 
 
This webinar highlighted U of M research that's bringing the theory several steps closer to real-world use. This work has involved adapting the MP mathematical model to address some practical issues, including the lack of a signal cycle. Researchers have also partnered with Hennepin County to test the model on seven intersections, and their results indicated reduced environmental impacts, reduced road user costs, and other potential benefits. Speakers also shared how they are working to implement MP control in traffic signal technology currently used in Hennepin County, laying the groundwork for a future pilot test of the method.
 

The webinar was held in conjunction with a CTS Transportation Safety and Mobility Research Council meeting.

Speakers

  • Michael Levin, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota
  • Raphael Stern, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota
  • Ben Hao, Traffic Operations Engineer, Hennepin County

Credit

Attendees are eligible for Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification maintenance credits.

Sponsor

This webinar was sponsored by the Center for Transportation Studies.