Sub-problem 2c:  Analysis of the U.S. 95 Arterial

Several tools are available to analyze the operations of urban streets or arterials. Microscopic simulation programs that go beyond the capabilities of HCM procedures can be used if we have oversaturated conditions, closely spaced intersections where queues from one or both intersections interact, or if we want to study specific actuated controller parameters. Macroscopic simulation/optimization programs are also available for use, either in conjunction with or in lieu of the HCM procedures, to assess the arterial operations for undersaturated operations. Here, we will use the HCM urban street procedure from Chapter 15 of the HCM.

What data are needed for application of the HCM methodology? In conducting an urban street analysis, you need first to identify the major cross streets (signalized intersections) along the arterial, the distances between these cross streets, and the free flow speed along the arterial. The free flow speed is the average travel speed that vehicles would operate without being affected by signalized intersections or other vehicles. You also must determine the urban street classification, using Exhibits 10-4 and 15-2 from the HCM. Finally, the traffic signal data for each signalized intersection is needed. In effect, what we must do is conduct an operational analysis for each signalized intersection and use the estimates of control delay that result from each intersection analysis.