It can take a person weeks or months to figure out by trial and error the best sequence for one traffic light. Back in 2004, the computer suggested a fix for a kilometre-long queue of drivers who were frequently stuck on the Yellowhead waiting to go northbound on St. Albert Trail. When Cheung ran the data, the modelling software suggested staggering the timing of the lights that allowed cars to turn onto the bridge.
He sat in his car beside the intersection to watch the next morning.
"I was screaming, 'Yeah, it worked,' " he said, still laughing at the memory. "The entire queue disappeared. We just cleared everybody out of there. It was actually what the model predicted. It was a big deal for me."
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I think they have used computers for along time to manage traffic flow, but this takes it a step further by trying to manage it in real time using sensors
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That Diverging Diamond Interchange looks pretty cool actually... and I imagine it can be quite effective. Except with the amount of idiot drivers that Canada has, it might cause a load of accidents.
Diverging diamonds look cool, but a) you need more space than a SPUI for example, b) have to have a remarkably high volume of opposing left turning traffic to even consider it and c) somehow have to teach Calgary drivers to navigate it.
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Prediction based on some knowledge or just a guess?
Based on knowledge. It might be totally fine to talk about, but I want to let the guy working on it confirm that his "talking shop" wasn't confidential at all. I doubt it, but I'd rather not guess wrong.
There should be one in Calgary in the very near future (Diverging Diamond).
If this is based on some knowledge, I'm trying to think of where it could be. It would have to be an existing or U/C one that's being converted. I don't think that the City has any interchanges under construction right now (other than Sarcee/17th as part of the WLRT). The only U/C ones I can think of are the SE ring road, and Nose Hill Drive will be starting up soon. None of those interchanges were originally drawn up as diverging diamonds.
If this is based on some knowledge, I'm trying to think of where it could be. It would have to be an existing or U/C one that's being converted. I don't think that the City has any interchanges under construction right now (other than Sarcee/17th as part of the WLRT). The only U/C ones I can think of are the SE ring road, and Nose Hill Drive will be starting up soon. None of those interchanges were originally drawn up as diverging diamonds.
Speaking as someone who makes left hand turns from Nosehill Drive to Stoney Trail on a regular basis, it seems like a good place to try it to me...
If this is based on some knowledge, I'm trying to think of where it could be. It would have to be an existing or U/C one that's being converted. I don't think that the City has any interchanges under construction right now (other than Sarcee/17th as part of the WLRT). The only U/C ones I can think of are the SE ring road, and Nose Hill Drive will be starting up soon. None of those interchanges were originally drawn up as diverging diamonds.
Diverging Diamonds were considered for a couple interchanges on the SE Ring Road, but Alberta Transportation decided not to use the Ring Road as a testing ground for a new type of interchange. You'll be seeing them sooner rather than later though! They definitely aren't afraid of trying it (see - rural roundabouts and all the people who freaked out over that at first).
Diverging Diamonds were considered for a couple interchanges on the SE Ring Road, but Alberta Transportation decided not to use the Ring Road as a testing ground for a new type of interchange. You'll be seeing them sooner rather than later though! They definitely aren't afraid of trying it (see - rural roundabouts and all the people who freaked out over that at first).
Did anyone else drive full circle around a roundabout just for kicks the first time they went through one?
SPUIs and divergent diamonds ftw. People will be able to navigate it just fine with proper signage. The only thing is trying to get over the fact that you're in the left lane, though even that can probably be mitigated with a higher wall between the lanes.
As for SPUIs, the only one I know of in Calgary is at 14th St. and John Laurie. But that thing seems to have been working great for years. Are there any others in town?
SPUIs and divergent diamonds ftw. People will be able to navigate it just fine with proper signage. The only thing is trying to get over the fact that you're in the left lane, though even that can probably be mitigated with a higher wall between the lanes.
As for SPUIs, the only one I know of in Calgary is at 14th St. and John Laurie. But that thing seems to have been working great for years. Are there any others in town?
New tech for traffic management
