Analyzing Manual Traffic Control during special events using Signal Performance Measures data

Manual Traffic Control (MTC) is a crucial intersection management strategy often entrusted to police law enforcement amid traffic surges during special events. In this context, this study employs a pioneering approach utilizing Signal Performance Measures (SPM) data, by using historical records to examine the nuanced decisions of Manual Control Operators (MCOs) operating at intersections. The primary objective is to formulate and present a robust methodology for comprehending and evaluating MTC operations during special traffic scenarios. The paper specifically endeavors to model the decisions of MCOs at intersections, interpreting their choice between continuing green signal time for the movements experiencing high demand during game day Ingress or Egress scenarios, or transitioning to serve other movements with less demand. The SPM dataset contains the ON/OFF status of vehicle detectors, which can offer an indication of traffic conditions at an intersection at distinct time intervals, accompanied by signal timing data. A binary logit model could be employed to directly analyze MCO's decision-making process, providing insights into factors influencing this binary choice. However, the mixed binary logit model advances the analysis by accommodating variations among MCOs, capturing the complexity of decision-making. This nuanced approach not only enriches the depth of the study but also contributes to the generalizability of findings. By accounting for inherent differences in decision-making among MCOs and considering variations across different times of the day when MTC was implemented, the mixed binary logit model presents a realistic representation of the intricate dynamics involved in MTC during special events. This study offers practical insights, empowering authorities to optimize traffic flow through the development of improved intersection control strategies for special events and emergency evacuation scenarios. The insights gathered from the study can help in advancing simulation studies that compare MTC with special event timing plans created by traffic engineers.