Traffic analysis at intersections controlled by signals often employs standardized methodologies. A common approach involves evaluating measures such as vehicle delay, queue length, and level of service. These metrics, derived from observed traffic patterns and signal timing data, provide a quantifiable assessment of intersection performance. For example, a study might analyze these metrics before and after a signal timing change to determine its effectiveness.
Understanding intersection performance is crucial for optimizing traffic flow and enhancing safety. Quantifiable data allows transportation professionals to identify bottlenecks, evaluate the impact of signal timing adjustments, and prioritize improvements. Historically, such analyses have relied on manual data collection and calculation. However, advancements in technology now offer more efficient and sophisticated data collection and analysis methods, leading to more data-driven decision-making processes.