Designing Traffic Light Signals to Ease Congestion Caused by Traffic Accidents Using Timed Petri Net

Abstract

This study develops a timed Petri net (TPN)-based controller to mitigate traffic congestion resulting from sudden accidents by adapting traffic light sequences in real-time. The traditional traffic light signal (TLS) sequences are ineffective in resolving congestion from such accidents. To mitigate congestion, we propose immediately changing the sequence of TLSs at the traffic accident scene. Traffic accidents are categorized into three types (A-type, B-type and C-type) based on the direction in which they occur, and their traffic light sequences are designed according to their specific characteristics. By analyzing the timing of signal changes, ours proves to be more effective than traditional sequences in relieving traffic congestion.