Current Projects
NCHRP 07-34: Artificial Intelligence for Transportation Systems Management and Operations Applications
Apr. 2024 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
Co-PI: Yinhai Wang, Ph.D., P.E., Michael Washkowiak, P.E.
This research aims to guide transportation agencies in developing and implementing next-generation, AI-enabled Decision Support Systems (DSSs) for Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO). TSMO leverages various strategies to optimize existing transportation infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, safety, and air quality. However, traditional DSSs, based on deterministic models, have limitations, such as slow response times and a lack of adaptability to multi-source data. AI-based DSSs address these issues by integrating data from emerging technologies, processing unstructured information, and avoiding human biases in decision-making. The project will create a roadmap for state DOTs and other transportation agencies to deploy AI-enabled DSSs. The guide will include implementation steps, resource needs, and best practices for using AI in various TSMO applications, like traffic signal coordination, incident management, and freeway management. The project also acknowledges the challenges in adopting AI technologies, such as data inconsistency and workforce requirements, and proposes solutions to overcome these barriers.
Optimizing Traffic Signals Using Multi-Source Data: Phase 8
Aug. 2024 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Francisco Leyva
The goal of this multi-phase project is to optimize traffic signals in the City of Tucson to improve mobility, safety, and efficiency. Multi-source data was automatically collected or estimated city wide, and a website (Tucson.UA-Star.org) was developed to implement and analyze the big traffic data. The data is used to provide support for signal re-timing and safety studies.
Leveraging Existing Data Sources to Obtain Performance Measures for a Multi-modal Transportation System
Nov. 2023 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Ali Shamshiripour, Ph.D.
PM: Dr. Hyunsoo Noh
This study will leverage existing data sources in the PAG region to obtain the performance measures of this regional multi-modal transportation system to improve regional mobility and air quality as well as improving regional transportation and air quality modeling. The previous study, Region-Wide Traffic Performance Evaluation and Performance Measure Development Using Multi-Source Data, focused on identifying and estimating motorized traffic performance measures such as control delay using event-based data. This project, however, will focus on all other travel modes available in the PAG region.
Pilot Study of Connected Vehicle Applications to Enhance Incident Response and Roadway Safety
Oct. 2023 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Simon Ramos, P.E.
In this study, The University of Arizona team will assess the potential of the CV technology to facilitate emergency response services and enhance traffic safety, particularly for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists. The project will focus on the careful selection of study sites, experimental design, performance measures, and, subsequently, measuring the impact of RSU deployment on improving incident response and traffic safety.
Traffic Engineering Tech Support for the City of Yuma (Phase 1-2)
July 2023 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Alyssa Ryan, Ph.D.
PM: David Wostenberg, P.E.
For this project, the Center for Applied Transportation Sciences will provide the City of Yuma with innovative proposals and technical supports. The main problems to be addressed are the re-timing of traffic lights to improve efficiency, calming strategies for neighborhood streets, and assist with grants and proposal opportunities. The Center for Applied Transportation Sciences may also help with other tasks such as pedestrian crosswalk warrant analyses, traffic signal warrant analyses, and data collection.
Evaluating Communication Technologies for Effective Traffic Monitoring
May 2023 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Henrick Haule, Ph.D.
PM: Simon Ramos, P.E.
In this project, the City of Phoenix has teamed up with the University of Arizona's Center for Applied Transportation Sciences to evaluate the effectiveness of wireless communication devices that could supplement fiber optics in locations with gaps or breaks in communication. Also, the study aims to estimate and compare the cost-effectiveness of alternative wireless communication devices based on maintenance and usability.
Investigating Safety Effectiveness of Red Light Running Cameras
Apr. 2023 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E & Alyssa Ryan, Ph.D.
PM: Reed Henry
The goal of this project is for the University of Arizona (UA) project team to provide recommendations and next steps for the City of Phoenix in regard to red light running cameras and their ability to increase safety at intersections. These recommendations are critical to increase the safety within the metro Phoenix region, understand the success in other regions with similar Vision Zero goals, and target specific locations and reasons why red light running cameras may or may not be successful at decreasing crashes in the City of Phoenix. The results of this project will specifically outline the steps that the City of Phoenix could take to increase safety at intersections with cameras and the overall success of automated enforcement activities within the region.
Traffic Data Analytics Platform Development for TSMO : Statewide Mobility Analytics in Real-Time (SMART) Tool Expansion
Aug. 2022 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Susan Anderson, P.E., PTOE, John Robersts, & Steven Chesko
The goal of this project is for the University of Arizona (UA) project team to maintain the SMART tool that was developed in the “Traffic Data Analytics Platform Development for TSMO – Expansion of Ramp Metering Evaluation Tool” project, and to expand the functionality of the tool to incorporate use cases for other branches of Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as well as the operations branch. More modules will be added to the platform, and new data sources will be incorporated to provide useful insights to the safety and operations teams.
NCHRP 03-144: Leveraging Existing Traffic Signal Assets to Obtain Quality Traffic Counts and Enhance Transportation Monitoring Programs
Apr. 2022 - Present
PI: Ioannis Tsapakis, Ph.D. & Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
The objectives of this project include determining the feasibility of using existing or enhanced equipment to collect, store, and disseminate data for traffic monitoring purposes. As well as, determining the suitability of count data from existing signal assets. Finally, we will develop effective practices for obtaining and integrating counts from existing signal assets.
Investigating Road User's Compliance of Yellow and Clearance Time Intervals for Signal Timing Design (Phases 1 - 3)
May 2022 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Abolfazl Karimpour, Ph.D.
PM: Simon Ramos, P.E.
In the Phase I of this collaborative project, the University of Arizona (UArizona) research team examined whether implementing the updated ITE 2020 yellow time intervals could help reduce the number of red-light running (RLR) violations. In the first phase, the research team selected 12 intersections in the City of Phoenix and developed a before-and-after experimental design for yellow interval change. In Phase II of this collaborative project, the UArizona team will investigate whether implementing the updated ITE 2020 red clearance intervals could reduce the number of RLR violations. The team will focus on identifying the relationship between red clearance intervals and the RLR frequency of the left-turn phase. The outcome of the second phase of this project will further help the City of Phoenix (COP) engineers to understand, the correlation between clearance time interval with RLR frequency.
Automated Data Collection and Analysis for Arterial Traffic Operations (Phase 1 - 5)
Nov. 2019 - Present
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Mohammad Shaon (Phase 1) & Abolfazl Karimpour (Phase 2 - 3)
PM: Diahn Swartz, P.E.
In 2018, Marana equipped traffic signals with video detection sensors that were configured to collect traffic data according to parameters consistent to studies conducted in the City of Tucson. The event data from these sensors are processed using algorithms developed by the UArizona to determine occupancy and delay at traffic signals to estimate travel speeds. These metrics can be used to evaluate measures to improve the efficiency of traffic signals and corridors. The overall goal of this multi-year collaboration is to facilitate data collection and analytics and develop data-driven solutions that provide efficient traffic signal operations and optimal progression along key corridors within the entire Town of Marana. Efficient traffic operations save time and money, and positions the Town for future investment in business and technology.
Past Projects
Engineering Training for Traffic Signal Timing Optimization (Phase 2)
Feb. 2023 - Jan. 2024
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Henrick Haule, Ph.D.
PM: Simon Ramos, P.E.
The University of Arizona (UA) project team will provide the city’s traffic engineers and technicians with a series of technical training sessions for traffic signal re-timing and optimization. The goal of this training series is to help the city re-timing traffic signals on multiple corridors efficiently and effectively using WaySync, computer software originally developed by the University of Nevada, Reno. In this project, WaySync will be used as a training tool to help traffic engineers better understand traffic signal timing principles and a traffic signal timing optimization tool used by the City regularly.
Investigating Road User's Compliance of Yellow and Clearance Time Intervals for Signal Timing Design (Phases 1 - 2)
May 2022 - Aug. 2023
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Abolfazl Karimpour, Ph.D.
PM: Simon Ramos, P.E.
In the Phase I of this collaborative project, the University of Arizona (UArizona) research team examined whether implementing the updated ITE 2020 yellow time intervals could help reduce the number of red-light running (RLR) violations. In the first phase, the research team selected 12 intersections in the City of Phoenix and developed a before-and-after experimental design for yellow interval change. In Phase II of this collaborative project, the UArizona team will investigate whether implementing the updated ITE 2020 red clearance intervals could reduce the number of RLR violations. The team will focus on identifying the relationship between red clearance intervals and the RLR frequency of the left-turn phase. The outcome of the second phase of this project will further help the City of Phoenix (COP) engineers to understand, the correlation between clearance time interval with RLR frequency.
Optimizing Traffic Signals Using Multi-Source Data (Phases 1 - 7)
Aug. 2017 - Aug. 2024
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Xiaofeng Li, Ph.D. (Phases 5 & 6)
PM: Francisco Leyva
The goal of this multi-phase project is to optimize traffic signals in the City of Tucson to improve mobility, safety, and efficiency. Multi-source data was automatically collected or estimated city wide, and a website (Tucson.UA-Star.org) was developed to implement and analyze the big traffic data. The data is used to provide support for signal re-timing and safety studies.
Dynamic Traffic Assignment Modeling of Valencia Corridor
Sept. 2022 - Apr. 2023
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Lauren Fecteau, P.E., PTOE
In this study, the Pima County Department of Transportation (PCDOT) team sought technical
support from the University of Arizona (UA) Center for Applied Transportation Sciences (CATS) team to conduct a mesoscopic Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) modeling of a study area (west of I-19 and south of Ajo Hwy), with a specific focus on the Valencia corridor in the Pima County region. The study used Dynamic Urban Systems for Transportation (DynusT), a popular commercial DTA software. Specific tasks in the study involved data collection, updating a base model (previously developed for the Pima County region), simulation of the base model, the measures of effectiveness (MOE) analysis of the base model, scenarios identification, MOE analysis of scenarios, and drawing comparisons across the base and scenario models.
Comprehensive Literature Review for Traffic Signal Timing Issues/Events Related to Red-Light Running
Dec. 2021 - May 2022
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Abolfazl Karimpour, Ph.D.
PM: Simon Ramos, P.E.
Red-light running (RLR) behavior is one of the riskiest behaviors at signalized intersections and is becoming a prominent cause of intersection-related crashes (P. Chen et al., 2017). According to the report published by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, during 2019 more than two people were killed every day due to noncompliance with red signal indications (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2020). The City of Phoenix has teamed up with the University of Arizona (UArizona) to draft a comprehensive literature review on the factors influencing RLR violation (such as yellow light interval, clearance time), and identify potential solutions and countermeasures (such as photo enforcement cameras, modifying yellow/clearance time).
Region-Wide Traffic Performance Evaluation and Performance Measure Development Using Multi-Source Data
Dec. 2021 - May 2023
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Xiaofeng Li, Ph.D.
PM: Hyunsoo Noh, Ph.D.
The goal of this study is to investigate the sources of traffic data and develop a method to support PAG’s regional TSMO-related traffic data collection/maintenance and advanced modeling. This project will focus on identifying the traffic mobility/reliability performance measures out of video- and event-based traffic data and crowdsourced data. As a final output, the project will develop cost-effective regional TSMO-related performance measures as well as enhancing a QA/QC procedure and data integration based on the previous project “Comparative Analysis and Integration of Region-Wide Traffic Data” exploring the regional traffic volume data sources and developing a model estimating turning movement count using event-based data.
Traffic Signal Performance Measurement: Case Study of McDowell Rd.
Nov. 2021 - Jun. 2022
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Abolfazl Karimpour, Ph.D.
PM: Simon Ramos, P.E.
To enhance the operations of traffic signal timing and improve the corridor progression and coordination, the City of Phoenix is implementing emerging technologies field pilots. As one of the emerging technologies, Rhythm Engineering is implementing its Timing Optimization System for a pilot study on one corridor in the City of Phoenix. The City of Phoenix has teamed up with the University of Arizona (UArizona) to evaluate the operational effectiveness of the Timing Optimization System by Rhythm Engineering in terms of intersection and corridor performance evaluation. Below is the detailed scope of this project.
Feasibility Assessment for Adaptive Signal Control (ASC) System
Mar. 2021 - Oct. 2022
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Xiaofeng Li, Ph.D.
PM: Richard Hooker
The goal of the UArizona Team is to help the Town of Gilbert understand a variety of Adaptive Signal Control (ASC) and other signal timing improvement solutions in the market and assess the feasibility of implementing the selected solution. The study will be conducted on 26 traffic signals around the area of San Tan Mall and will help give the Town of Gilbert more knowledge about the different types of ASC systems.
Statistical Comparisons of Traffic Data for Traffic Signal Re-Timing
Mar. 2021 - May 2022
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Abolfazl Karimpour, Ph.D.
PM: Simon Ramos, P.E.
The goal of the UArizona Team is to provide a statistical comparison of multiple traffic data sources for network performance evaluation for conducting traffic signal retiming. The study will include the investigation of more innovative signal re-timing strategies that will help improve the efficiency of traffic signal operations and optimal progression along key corridors. This will ultimately save money and resources within the City of Phoenix.
Technical Support for Metropia Data Analytics & DynasT Modeling
Sept. 2020 - June 2023
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Alyssa Ryan (Phase 2)
PM: Vassilis Papayannoulis, P.E.
Metropia Inc. is seeking technical support pertaining to data analytics and DynusT modeling from Dr. Yao-Jen Wu at Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Mechanics, University of Arizona (UA). The University of Arizona, working with Metropia’s Project Manager (PM), will provide analyses that will include, but is not limited to: to 1) data mining, reporting and analysis needs; and 2) support on performing transportation modeling utilizing DynusT. Metropia’s PM will establish specific tasks for the University of Arizona to complete under this project agreement.
Data-Driven Optimization for E-Scooter System Design
Aug. 2020 - Jan. 2022
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Jianqiang Cheng, Ph.D.
The objective of this project is to develop data-driven decision-making models and computational methods for shared mobility system design and operation using a shared e-scooter system as a representative, with the ultimate goal of facilitating an electric shared-mobility revolution that promises a more sustainable future. We aim at solving the urgent questions that arise at the e-scooter sharing company and policymaker level (e.g., planning, operations). Specifically, we will (i) develop a data-driven robust optimization model to provide the decision-maker with a robust solution enabling low cost and high service quality by explicitly capturing endogenous uncertainty in demand in case of limited demand information; (ii) design computationally efficient methods with solution quality guarantees for solving the e-scooter sharing system design and operation problems.
Traffic Data Analytics Platform Development for TSMO – Expansion of Ramp Metering Evaluation Tool
May 2018 - Aug. 2020
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Susan Anderson, P.E., PTOE, John Roberts
The goal of this project is for the UA project team to maintain the ramp metering evaluation tool that was developed in the “Data-Driven Evaluation for ADOT Ramp Metering: Developing Ramp Metering Evaluation Tool” project, and to expand the functionality of the tool to handle more traffic operations issues. This tool has now come to be known as the Statewide Mobility Analytics in Real Time (SMART) tool. Modules have been developed to perform a variety of analysis such as analytics of speed, flow, delay, cost-benefit, level of service, on top of real time monitoring capabilities for freeways in and around the Phoenix metro area.
Comparative Analysis and Integration of Region-Wide Traffic Data
Jan. 2020 - Nov. 2021
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Hyunsoo Noh,Ph.D.
The goal of this project is to develop a comparative analysis approach to integrate region-wide traffic data and provide guidelines to manage and maintain regional traffic data to improve PAG’s traffic count program and to calibrate and validate our ongoing regional modeling efforts. This project will use existing/available and collected traffic data from the various sources of region-wide traffic data using the existing sensors in the Tucson Metropolitan Area along with additional sources of data, i.e., traffic count data and crowd-sourced data, to answer the following questions: 1)What kind of regional traffic data is available and where are the sources of data located? 2) How do the various data sources interrelate? 3) How to integrate different sources of data and maintain the quality of regional traffic data?
Evaluation of Emerging Transportation Technologies: Case Studies in Phoenix and Chandler
Dec. 2019 - Dec. 2021
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Abolfazl Karimpour, Ph.D. (Phase 2) & Mohammad Shaon, Ph.D. (Phase 1)
PM: Wang Zhang, Ph.D.
For better planning for active transportation which includes walking and biking activities, accurate pedestrian and bicyclist data is needed. Unfortunately, the technologies that are currently available or used for vehicle detections and counts are not well suited to produce reliable pedestrian and bicyclist data. Recognizing this necessity of dynamically increasing the pedestrian crossing time as needed as well as better detecting and counting pedestrian and bicyclists for both operational and planning purposes, the scope of this project was developed. This project intends to identify emerging technologies which claim to detect and count pedestrians and bicyclists, deploy a pilot project, and evaluate the capabilities. The findings of this pilot project are useful to transportation engineers, planners, and safety professionals who are involved in improving pedestrians and bicyclists’ safety and mobility in the region.
Evaluation of Emerging Transportation Technologies: MAG Public Universities Task Force Support
Dec. 2019 - June 2022
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Shuyao Hong
The Public Universities Task Force designated by Maricopa Association of Government (MAG) is conducting a pilot evaluation of smart region technologies implemented in the MAG region. The University of Arizona (UA) is the leading agency to conduct the pilot evaluation of a new vendor's traffic management platform. The UA research team is conducting different aspects of a pilot evaluation of the smart sensors and control units installed by this vendor. Two study corridors have been selected for the smart traffic sensor implementation: Glendale Avenue in the City of Phoenix and Chandler Blvd in the City of Chandler. This vendor will install smart sensors at five intersections on Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, and 11 intersections on Chandler Blvd in the City of Chandler. This pilot study will focus on the evaluation of the operational and safety effectiveness of the smart sensors in the area of traffic coordination and progression through the corridor as well as traffic optimization.
Data-Driven Mobility Strategies for Multi-Modal Transportation
Sep. 2019 - May 2021
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Terry Yang, Ph.D. & Sirisha Kothuri, Ph.D.
This project outlines a data-driven approach to achieve three primary objectives. The first, evaluating and quantifying the best approach for speed management tactics for conventional arterials. The second, evaluating the transferability of using conventional mobility management strategies on connected roadways. The third, scaling speed management tactics for mixed traffic flow and evaluating the impact of the speed management tactics on pedestrians and cyclists' safety.
Tech Support for Transportation Network Management System
May 2020 - Oct. 2021
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Abolfazl Karimpour, Ph.D. (Phase 2) & Mohammad Shaon, Ph.D. (Phase 1)
This project is a partnership with PCDOT to perform various acts of technical support for their department. This involves researching the best practices, software tools, and approaches to resolve PCDOT business problems, as well as researching and comparing available datasets and recommending the best data sets for analysis. UArizona is also working closely with Pima County IT and PCDOT to provide input to the design and implementation of complex spatial-analytical models, products, and services, including web map, web app, and reporting. There is also the intention to perform independent and cooperative complex analysis as well as evaluate management problems and recommend decisions regarding the proper course of action
Development of Low-Cost Radar-Based Sensor for Multi-Modal Traffic Monitoring
Sept. 2019 - Apr. 2021
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Siyang Cao, Ph.D.
Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) significantly change our communities by improving the safety and convenience of people's daily mobility. The system relies on multimodal traffic monitoring, that needs to be reliable, efficient and detailed traffic information for traffic safety and planning. Signalized traffic intersections are critical spots for collecting such mix-traffic data because the most conflicts and crash occurrences involve multiple transportation modes, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and cars. How to reliably and intelligently monitor intersection traffic with multimodal information is one of the most critical topics in intelligent transportation research.
This project will Investigate a low-cost, low-weight, compact size, and reliable monitoring platform. This platform will incorporate mmWave radar and machine learning techniques to collect multimodal traffic data at intersections is robust to light and adverse weather conditions. The products of this project consist of 1) a prototype of the proposed multimodal traffic, and 3) a demo platform at a road intersection to illustrate the performance in terms of measuring multimodal traffic counts, speeds, and directions.
Data Analytics for Traffic Signal Optimization
July 2019 - Jun. 2021
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Michelle Montagnino, P.E., PTOE
With this project, we aim to contribute to addressing the problem of lack of a comprehensive framework and appropriate tools for understanding the long-term effects of AV. To tackle this research problem, our first objective is to develop a parsimonious conceptual framework for examining AV’s long-term effects implement it as a modeling tool, and test and validate the tool with a hypothetical model city to check for reasonable sensitivities. The second objective is to transfer the insights from our conceptual framework and modeling tool to improve the capacity of operational modeling systems at MPOs through the Portland, OR and Tucson, AZ case studies and assessing the impacts of AV and various scenarios in these two regions with different travel and land use patterns and regulatory environments.
Land Use and Transportation Policies for a Sustainable Future with Autonomous Vehicles: Scenario Analysis with Simulations
Aug. 2018 - Aug. 2020
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Liming Wang, Ph.D.
With this project, we aim to contribute to addressing the problem of lack of a comprehensive framework and appropriate tools for understanding the long-term effects of AV. To tackle this research problem, our first objective is to develop a parsimonious conceptual framework for examining AV’s long-term effects implement it as a modeling tool, and test and validate the tool with a hypothetical model city to check for reasonable sensitivities. The second objective is to transfer the insights from our conceptual framework and modeling tool to improve the capacity of operational modeling systems at MPOs through the Portland, OR and Tucson, AZ case studies and assessing the impacts of AV and various scenarios in these two regions with different travel and land use patterns and regulatory environments.
Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Advanced Traffic Management Systems
May 2019 - Mar. 2020
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Simon Ramos, P.E.
The Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) plays a critical role in traffic management because the ATMS communicates with all traffic signals and sensors. The ATMS is considered the “brain” of each traffic management center (TMC). Therefore, the ATMS helps traffic engineers manage all traffic signals and sensors to improve traffic operations in a city. However, various jurisdictions use different ATMS products and no consensus has been made on how to decide which system most cost efficient. There is no standard procedure to compare those ATMS. In the Phoenix Metropolitan area, four products are typically used. The primary goal of this project is to compare all four systems through a multi-criteria decision analysis process. The proposed process will be able to compare all four products depending on the criteria determined by each participating jurisdiction.
Engineering Training for Traffic Signal Timing Optimization
Dec. 2019 - Nov. 2020
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
Project description coming soon
Development of a Regional Plan for Enhancing Future of Mobility and Technology
Feb. 2019 - Dec. 2019
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Ram Pendyala, Ph.D.
Project description coming soon
Pima County Speed Management evaluation and Strategic Development: Data-Driven Enforcement
Dec. 2017 - Dec. 2019
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Dean Papajohn, Ph.D.
PM: Stephen Wilson
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of deploying speed feedback signs, supported by some pattern of speed enforcement, to impact driver speed behavior in a consistent and predictable manner that will be beneficial to road operations and the utilization of enforcement resources. This project will explore the relationship between speed feedback signs, posted speed limit enforcement, and of speed of travel, and investigate how these features may act as a system to achieve better operations (in terms of number of crashes, reduced severity, and better utilization of capacity).
Data-Driven Evaluation for ADOT Ramp Metering
May 2018 - Aug. 2019
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Vahid Goftar, P.E.
ADOT has been using ramp metering strategies to actively control the traffic on the freeway network of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. This project is aimed at developing an evaluation tool to evaluate three possible strategies for ramp metering. Different performance measures are utilized to quantify the impacts of each strategy on the freeway traffic operations and recommendations will be provided to ADOT.
Developing of Quality of Signal Timing Performance Measure Methodology for Arterial Operations
Dec. 2017 - Sept. 2019
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Zong Tian, Ph.D.
Project description coming soon
Before-and-After Traffic Study for Indirect Left Turns on Grant Rd., Tucson
2016 - 2020
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
The objective of this project is to evaluate the performance and operational impacts/benefits before, during, and after the indirect left turns (ILTs) are constructed on Grant Rd. In addition to the Grant Rd/Oracle Rd intersection, two ILT intersections will be constructed between Stone Ave and Park Ave on E. Grant Rd. The analysis will focus on the mobility aspect of the existing and new ILT intersections on Grand Rd.
Traffic Study for Indirect Left Turns on Grant Rd., Tucson - After Phase 2: Stone/Park Construction
Sept. 2019 - June 2020
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
Project description coming soon
Evaluation of Traffic Signal Communication
Mar. 2016 - Dec 2017
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
This project investigated ADOT’s procedures in deploying, operating, and maintaining signalized arterial corridors. During the project the team analyzed hi-resolution signal data from ADOT’s ATMS, developed a multi-criteria decision making prototype spreadsheet tool to assist ADOT traffic engineers with ITS deployments, and recommended a strategy for ADOT engineers to implement.
Visualizing Performance Measures with Multi-Source Traffic Data
2015 - 2018
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Weihua Zhang
The Jiangsu Zhitong Traffic Technology Ltd. is one of the leading transportation technology companies in China. The company has been working with several major cities on developing innovative transportation solutions and collecting multi-source traffic data to support decision making in transportation design and urban planning. Zhitong was seeking for a breakthrough of traffic data management, analysis and visualization. In this project, Zhitong collaborated with the Smart Transportation Laboratory (STL) at the University of Arizona (UA) to implement innovative approaches to help them achieve their goal. The major objectives of the project are to 1) thoroughly investigate and organize the traffic data managed by Zhitong; 2) produce and deliver useful and understandable traffic information for decision support; and 3) effectively present traffic information with novel visualization techniques.
Incorporating Freeway Performance Measures into Real-Time Crash Prediction
Oct. 2016 - May 2018
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
PM: Vahid Goftar, P.E.
The main objective of this project is to incorporate freeway performance measures into real-time crash prediction. With predicated crash information, traffic engineers can develop countermeasures that could alleviate crash risk or possibly avoid a crash. To fully automate the process of crash prediction, a standalone computer program tool was developed to predict the risk of crashes for all freeway segments in the Phoenix area in real-time. A performance measurement system was also developed to calculate and store the safety related performance measures, covering mobility, freight, and incident management.
SHRP2 Implementation Assistance Program (IAP): Reliability Data and Analysis Tools
Mar. 2016 - Dec. 2017
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
This project is expected to take ADOT travel time and SHRP2 tool products to the next level, including improve loop sensor data quality, incorporating multi-source data into travel time reliability calculation, bring SHRP2 products into university classrooms, and advance the use of the existing SHRP2 tools.
University of Arizona Bluetooth Solution - Oracle Rd. Travel Time Data Collection
Nov. 2015 - Aug. 2017
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
This project is funded by Pima Association of Governments/ADOT: More than 20 Bluetooth sensors are installed to evaluate the performance of signal timing on Oracle Rd in Tucson.
Analyzing Travel Time Data: Development of Traffic Data Quality Assurance Tool
Feb. 2016 - Dec. 2016
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
This project, funded by Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) aims to identify potential data errors that may occur in the ADOT traffic stations in order to further improve data quality. The methods developed for error identification will be implemented in a computer program to assist TOC’s staff in repetitively examining the data quality and potential causes.
Metropia App Quality Assurance and Data Examination
Sept. 2015 - Jan. 2017
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
Metropia is a Tucson-based traffic smartphone app company. This project is to provide Metropia with technical support to assure and control GPS data and App quality. Three major tasks are completed in this project: 1) Support Quality Assurance/Quality Control of the Metropia App, 2) perform quality assurance/control on the anonymous GPS trajectory data collected by the Metropia App, and 3) help review existing traffic management procedure and helps update the real-time incident report throughout the Tucson area.
Multi-modal Arterial Performance Measurement Using Mult-source ITS Data
Aug. 2014 - Oct. 2015
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Yi-Chang Chiu, Ph.D.
The project aims to classify Bluetooth-based travel time data into different modes of transportation (bicycles, pedestrians, transit and auto vehicles) for performance measurement.
The Real-Time Signal Timing and Traffic Information Project (Tucson Bluetooth Systems Deployment)
Apr. 2014 - Dec. 2015
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Larry Head, Ph.D.
Our team developed a low-cost Bluetooth-based travel-time sensors project. More than 50 Bluetooth-based sensors are installed in Tucson to monitor real-time travel time on five major arterials. In this project, traffic signal timing on Speedway Blvd was examined and improved using real-time signal timing data collected from MaxviewTM, probe vehicle data and video sensor data.
A Real-time Online Decision Support System for Intermodal Passenger Travel
Aug. 2013 - July 2015
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Mengqu Hu, Ph.D.
This project aims to improve the efficiency of inter-modal passenger transportation, improve the use of public transportation modes, and reduce transportation cost and time for passengers
Development of a Region-Wide Traffic Emission Estimation Platform for Environmental Sustainability Evaluation
Oct. 2012 - Dec. 2013
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
Project description coming soon
Freeway Travel Time Estimation Using Existing Fixed Traffic Sensors (Phase 1 & 2)
Sept. 2012 - Dec. 2014
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
This project aims to develop a new method to estimate travel times for all major corridors in St. Louis, MO, employing more than 900 existing fixed sensors.
Freeway Travel Time Estimation Using Existing Fixed Traffic Sensors (Phase 1 & 2)
Sept. 2012 - Dec. 2014
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E.
This project aims to develop a new method to estimate travel times for all major corridors in St. Louis, MO, employing more than 900 existing fixed sensors.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant: Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program
Sep. 2012 - Sep. 2013
PI: Yao-Jan Wu, Ph.D., P.E. & Sarah L. Coffin, Ph.D.
Project description coming soon