Four Different Adaptive Signal Control Software Solutions Used to Control 10 Intersections over 10 Years Ranged in Cost from $191,477 To $350,000.

Oregon DOT Study Evaluated Life Cycle Costs for Various Coordinated Intersection Signal Timing Systems and Vehicle Detection Technologies.

Made Public Date
10/22/2021
Identifier
2021-SC00500
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Summary Information

This study collected and analyzed event-based vehicle detection data from years 2015-2016 and from multiple technologies, including inductive loop, magnetometers, radar sensors, and video, thermal, and hybrid detectors, at four different sites in Oregon. The goal was to provide guidance for deployment of non-invasive detection for use in adaptive control, as well as develop a life cycle cost comparison of various detection sources. Data during fair weather from non-invasive detection zones co-located with inductive loops were compared based upon typical metrics used for driving adaptive algorithms, such as activations, occupancy, and time to gap out.

METHODOLOGY

In order to conduct a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) for various vehicle detection and Adaptive Signal Control Technologies (ASCT) the initial step in obtaining cost data was reaching out to manufacturers and Oregon DOT (ODOT) officials through an informal survey. The second step was through direct email to the specific manufacturers and practitioners. A final attempt to capture pertinent cost information was made using national institution forums such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). The LCCA results were obtained using an LCCA Tool developed for this study, and a three percent discount rate, ten-year analysis period, and a network of ten intersections. For signal control technologies, coordinated signal timing (CST) was included as a baseline measurement for the LCCA. Table 1 summarizes the cost estimates for a baseline CST system and four systems using different ASCT.

 

Table 1. Signal Control Technologies Cost Summary

Cost Component

CST (Baseline)

ASCT Type 1

ASCT Type 2

ASCT Type 3

ASCT Type 4

Initial Coordinated Signal Timing Cost Per Intersection

$3,760

$20,000

$13,500

$10,000

$35,000

Additional Coordinated Costs per Intersection

 $0

  $0*

  $0

$2,750

  $0*

Annual Coordinated Maintenance Cost

$1,200

$17500/ # of intersections

  $0

$750

  $0*

Coordinated Server or Central Software Cost

  $0

  $0*

$20,000

  $0

  $0*

Life Cycle Cost (10 intersections for 10 years)

$139,962

$349,279

$335,000

$191,477

$350,000

* This cost is captured in initial cost.This cost is captured in server cost.

 

Table 2 shows the life cycle cost of various vehicle detection technologies for one intersection over 10 years and Table 3 shows the cost breakdowns.

Table 2. Life Cycle Cost for Vehicle Detection for One Intersection Over 10 Years

Alternative

  Total Initial Costs

 Total Present Annual Costs 

 Total Present Replacement Costs 

 Life Cycle Cost

 Inductive Loop

$20,400

$0

$0

$20,400

 Magnetometers

$31,750

$0

$4,629

$33,451

 Radar

$46,520

$38,949

$0

$85,469

 Video Stop Bar

$42,000

$35,255

$0

$77,255

 Thermal

$51,984

$20,327

$0

$72,311

 Hybrid (video + radar)

$31,520

$24,880

$0

$56,400

 

Table 3. Vehicle Detection Technologies Cost Breakdown

 

Inductive Loop

Magnetometers

Radar

Video Stop Bar

Thermal

Hybrid (video + radar)

Detector Purchase

$600

$550

Stop Bar Detection: $5,000; Advanced Detection: $5,950

$3,000

$3,538

$5,880

Detection Channels

$150 / card

$525/card

Stop Bar Detection:$350/card; Advanced Detection: $330 / card

Stop Bar: $3,000;  Advanced:$1,500

Stop Bar: $4,010; Advanced: $2,610

$1,000

Other Costs

 

$5000 / Intersection

 

 

 

 

Major Stop bar Detectors / Approach Detection Cost

$4,800 for 7 detectors

$6,150 for 7 detectors

$5,350

$6,000

 

$6,880

Minor Stop bar Detectors / Approach Detection Cost

$2,700 for 4 detectors

$3,975 for 4 detectors

$5,330

$6,000

 

$6,880

Major Advanced Detectors / Approach Detection Cost

$1,350 for 2 detectors

$2,875 for 2 detectors

$6,280

$4,500

 

$1,000

Minor Advanced Detectors / Approach Detection Cost

$1,350 for 2 detectors

$2,875 for 2 detectors

$6,280

$4,500

 

$1,000

Estimated Lifespan of Detection

15 years

8.5 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

Annual Maintenance Visits / Cost per Approach

0

 

$133.25

$158.25

$158.25

$291.67

Traffic Control Maintenance / Cost per Approach (1 lane)

0

$437.50

$437.50

$437.50

$437.50

$437.50

Improving Adaptive/Responsive Signal Control Performance: Implications of Non-Invasive Detection and Legacy Timing Practices

Improving Adaptive/Responsive Signal Control Performance: Implications of Non-Invasive Detection and Legacy Timing Practices
Source Publication Date
02/01/2017
Author
Smaglik, Edward J.; Christopher Sobie; Anuj Sharma; Chenhui Liu; and Sirisha Kothuri
Publisher
Prepared by Oregon DOT for the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration
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