Synchronization of Traffic Signals in Grid Networks

A method of synchronizing traffic signals interconnected in an arbitrary network is presented. The procedure consists of using a simplified mathematical model for traffic to relate the vehicular delay within the network to the signal parameters and then searching over these parameters to minimize the delay. The technique has been used to synchronize traffic signals in San Jose, California and has yielded a ten percent reduction in the average delay per car in comparison with the signal settings determined by the city traffic department with conventional engineering methods.