Optimization of coordinated signal settings for hook-turn intersections.

Hook turn (HT) is a unique traffic regulation rule for right-turning vehicles at intersections (in the system where driving is on the left), which was proposed in Melbourne to improve the safety level and operational efficiency of intersections. However, existing coordination plans for HT intersections are fixed and determined empirically, which restricts the further improvements of the efficiency. In this paper, mathematical models are developed for the calculation of the average vehicle delay, with consideration of the spillback phenomenon of HT vehicles in waiting areas. The platoon dispersion model is used to describe the traffic movements between coordinated intersections. With the aim of minimizing average delay of all vehicles, a mixed nonlinear integer model is developed for the optimal coordination plan, which is solved by a genetic algorithm due to the complexity of the model. Finally, a numerical example is built based on three HT intersections in downtown Melbourne, to verify the proposed methodology. Based on a comparison with the current signal plan, the optimal signal plan can significantly reduce the average delay as well as the number of spillbacks, in both the peak hour and off-peak hour cases. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]