Greetings!
Are there roads you specifically avoid while driving? Do you ever take a longer route because it's faster than the more direct one? Most drivers can think of at least a couple areas that they try to avoid, generally the busiest corridors in the region, plagued with stoplights that seem to halt traffic rather than expedite it. Thankfully, there is good news on the horizon. Adaptive signal control systems that help alleviate congestion caused by poorly-timed signals are not only on the rise, there is also an influx of federal legislation and opportunities to help fund adaptive initiatives on account of their positive environmental and social impact. |
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The Resurgence of Adaptive Control Adaptive signal control is not a new idea; it has been deployed throughout Europe since the 1960s. While a number of successful systems currently operate in the United States, the relative number remains low, largely on account of cost. However, with America's growing emphasis on "going green" there is a renewed interest in adaptive systems thanks to their measurable results and benefits.
What is Adaptive Control?
Adaptive control is a system that improves arterial performance by coordinating a network of signals along a busy corridor based on prevailing traffic conditions. The system involves a combination of hardware, to monitor traffic flow and disseminate signal timing, and software that calculates optimum signal timing and coordinates the entire network.
The Key Role of Software
The key component to pulling together an adaptive control system is the software that connects and manages the hardware - field detectors, controllers, cabinets, communication cables - that is generally already installed in your busiest corridors. |
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QuicTrac, Your Adaptive Solution McCain's QuicTrac adaptive control software, a module of QuicNet Pro central software, makes calculations and adjustments on a real-time basis to assure optimum signal performance along your entire corridor. QuicTrac relies on proprietary algorithms to calculate and adjust cycle length, splits and offsets based on data collected from a modest number of field detectors.
Cost Effective Solution
QuicTrac is a cost effective adaptive solution that requires no special hardware beyond the basic arterial intersection configuration. It requires only enough local intersection field detectors, loop or video, to obtain a reasonable sampling of speed along the corridor. Existing 170 or 2070 controllers are used for split determinations and cycle length calculations. Best of all, as an integral part of QuicNet Pro central software, training is minimal and QuicNet users can be brought up to speed in a matter of hours. |
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The Result
By reducing the number of stops and delays along major corridors, QuicTrac creates smooth, more balanced traffic flow, thereby: Expediting Travel Times
> 17% reduction in number of delays
Increasing Safety
> Up to 22% reduction in the number of stops
> Reducing the number of stops can improve traffic safety
Reducing Fuel Consumption & Emissions
> 3-6% reduction in emissions
> 4-7% fuel savings |
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Adaptive Helps Secure Funds As highlighted throughout last month's issue of The Source*, the US is experiencing an increase in federal funding opportunities that mandate the inclusion of green/sustainable initiatives.
Thanks to the measurable impact on reduced congestion and pollution, adaptive control provides the sustainable long-term impact the government looks for when awarding funds. |
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Connect with McCain online through one of the following social networks.
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Eliminate Stop-and-Go Traffic, improve arterial performance, create happy drivers, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Learn more about QuicTrac. |
Major arterial nicknamed "the smart corridor" following installation of McCain's QuicTrac adaptive control.
QuicTrac goes live on 2nd busiest corridor in San Diego County in March 2010. |
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Houston, TX
May 3-5, 2010
Las Vegas, NV
May 10-13, 2010
Mystic, CT
May 13-14, 2010
Dearborn, MI
May 19-20, 2010 |
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Green |
Looking for more ways that your city or agency can go green? |
Make an Impact - Visit our green webpage filled with information and tips on going green |
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