A Theoretical Model for Optimizing Signalized Intersection and Roundabout Distance Using Microsimulations

Traffic congestion in urban areas is a pressing challenge, with roundabouts and signalized intersections offering different operational benefits. This study explores the integration of these two intersection types, focusing on the optimal distance between them to ensure efficient traffic flow. Using...

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Main Authors: Mirna Klobučar, Aleksandra Deluka-Tibljaš, Sanja Šurdonja, Irena Ištoka Otković
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Future Transportation
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/5/1/28
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author Mirna Klobučar
Aleksandra Deluka-Tibljaš
Sanja Šurdonja
Irena Ištoka Otković
author_facet Mirna Klobučar
Aleksandra Deluka-Tibljaš
Sanja Šurdonja
Irena Ištoka Otković
author_sort Mirna Klobučar
collection DOAJ
description Traffic congestion in urban areas is a pressing challenge, with roundabouts and signalized intersections offering different operational benefits. This study explores the integration of these two intersection types, focusing on the optimal distance between them to ensure efficient traffic flow. Using traffic microsimulations in VISSIM, the research examines multiple scenarios involving isolated roundabouts and those adjacent to signalized intersections, considering variables such as peak-hour traffic volume, flow distribution, and intersection spacing. Results indicate that shorter distances (<50 m) between roundabouts and signalized intersections lead to increased traffic indicators due to congestion spillback. In contrast, distances exceeding 100 m mitigate these inefficiencies, approaching the performance of isolated roundabouts. Balanced traffic distribution between approaches (50:50) enhance system performance at lower volumes but exacerbate congestion at higher volumes. A novel aspect of this study is the development of a regression model that integrates microsimulation outputs to predict travel time based on peak-hour traffic volume, flow ratios, and intersection distance, demonstrating a 90.9% explanatory power. These findings emphasize the need for strategic planning in integrating roundabouts and signalized intersections to balance operational efficiency.
format Article
id doaj-art-288670b214fa45e78d717d33b2eea48d
institution Kabale University
issn 2673-7590
language English
publishDate 2025-03-01
publisher MDPI AG
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series Future Transportation
spelling doaj-art-288670b214fa45e78d717d33b2eea48d2025-08-20T03:43:22ZengMDPI AGFuture Transportation2673-75902025-03-01512810.3390/futuretransp5010028A Theoretical Model for Optimizing Signalized Intersection and Roundabout Distance Using MicrosimulationsMirna Klobučar0Aleksandra Deluka-Tibljaš1Sanja Šurdonja2Irena Ištoka Otković3Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaFaculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaFaculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaFaculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 3100 Osijek, CroatiaTraffic congestion in urban areas is a pressing challenge, with roundabouts and signalized intersections offering different operational benefits. This study explores the integration of these two intersection types, focusing on the optimal distance between them to ensure efficient traffic flow. Using traffic microsimulations in VISSIM, the research examines multiple scenarios involving isolated roundabouts and those adjacent to signalized intersections, considering variables such as peak-hour traffic volume, flow distribution, and intersection spacing. Results indicate that shorter distances (<50 m) between roundabouts and signalized intersections lead to increased traffic indicators due to congestion spillback. In contrast, distances exceeding 100 m mitigate these inefficiencies, approaching the performance of isolated roundabouts. Balanced traffic distribution between approaches (50:50) enhance system performance at lower volumes but exacerbate congestion at higher volumes. A novel aspect of this study is the development of a regression model that integrates microsimulation outputs to predict travel time based on peak-hour traffic volume, flow ratios, and intersection distance, demonstrating a 90.9% explanatory power. These findings emphasize the need for strategic planning in integrating roundabouts and signalized intersections to balance operational efficiency.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/5/1/28traffic microsimulationroundabout optimizationsignalized intersectionstravel time analysisintersection spacingregression modeling
spellingShingle Mirna Klobučar
Aleksandra Deluka-Tibljaš
Sanja Šurdonja
Irena Ištoka Otković
A Theoretical Model for Optimizing Signalized Intersection and Roundabout Distance Using Microsimulations
Future Transportation
traffic microsimulation
roundabout optimization
signalized intersections
travel time analysis
intersection spacing
regression modeling
title A Theoretical Model for Optimizing Signalized Intersection and Roundabout Distance Using Microsimulations
title_full A Theoretical Model for Optimizing Signalized Intersection and Roundabout Distance Using Microsimulations
title_fullStr A Theoretical Model for Optimizing Signalized Intersection and Roundabout Distance Using Microsimulations
title_full_unstemmed A Theoretical Model for Optimizing Signalized Intersection and Roundabout Distance Using Microsimulations
title_short A Theoretical Model for Optimizing Signalized Intersection and Roundabout Distance Using Microsimulations
title_sort theoretical model for optimizing signalized intersection and roundabout distance using microsimulations
topic traffic microsimulation
roundabout optimization
signalized intersections
travel time analysis
intersection spacing
regression modeling
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/5/1/28
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