Microscopic simulation-based optimization of signal timing for urban intersections: A case study from Kirkuk, Iraq
Author(s): Mohammed Nasih Ismael
Abstract: This research article presents the results of a study conducted in Al-Qadisyah, Kirkuk in Iraq to analyze the effect of improving signal cycle lengths on traffic performance and environmental impacts at a four-legged signalized intersection. The explorations included a microscopic simulation model (PTV VISSIM) using a stage-based signal controller to study several cycle lengths (60-120 seconds) as means to improve signal performance. There was a significant improvement when the cycle length was reduced to 60 seconds versus the original cycle length of 120 seconds, thereby a cycle length of 60 seconds increased traffic performance, expressed as an average que length decrease of 19.8% (from 129.96m to 104.20); vehicle delay decrease of 21.9% (from 117.54 s to 91.81 s); and fuel consumption decrease of 10.4% (from 93.02 to 83.38 US gallons). CO emissions decreased by 5% and NOx emissions decreased by 23%. The study indicated that the performance improvement from altered signal timing has great potential for intersection operation and improves the environmental effects of signal operation on urban traffic networks.
Mohammed Nasih Ismael. Microscopic simulation-based optimization of signal timing for urban intersections: A case study from Kirkuk, Iraq. Int J Commun Inf Technol 2025;6(2):118-129. DOI: 10.33545/2707661X.2025.v6.i2b.148
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