Performance assessment of signalised intersection using uav videography : a case study of the jorissen-bertha street intersection in Johannesburg

Abstract

Intersections are critical sections of a road network as they are designed to accommodate various conflicting movements. For signalised intersections with pre-timed controls in urban areas, it is essential to assess the performance of the signal timing plans at regular intervals. The objective of this study is to develop a method that could be employed to assess the performance of any signalised intersection using a typical intersection in Johannesburg as the case study. The method relies on video data gathering using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, from which various traffic parameters such as the approach flow rate, saturation flow rate, headways and delays are measured. The performance of the intersection is assessed by comparing observed delays with theoretical delays computed using HCM delay models. The study showed that UAV video data can be processed relatively easily to measure various traffic flow parameters required to assess the performance of signalised intersections.