Third Edition—Volume I

1 Research, Development, and TechnologyTurner-Fairbank Highway Research Center6300 Georgetown PikeMcLean, VA 22101-2296 Traffic Detector Handbook: Third Edition Volume IPublication No. FHWA-HRT-06-108 October 2006 FOREWORD The objective of the Third edition of the Traffic Detector Handbook is to provide a comprehensive reference document to aid the practicing traffic engineer, planner, or technician in selecting, designing, installing, and maintaining traffic sensors for signalized intersections and freeways. Judicious application of the concepts and procedures set forth in the Handbook should result in improved installations and operations of traffic sensors and a long-term savings of public funds.

2 sensor types include both in-roadway and over-roadway sensors. Topics covered include sensor technology , sensor applications, in-roadway sensor design, sensor installation techniques and sensor maintenance. The sensor technology chapter discusses the operation and uses of inductive loop detectors, magnetic sensors and detectors, video image processors, microwave radar sensors, laser radars, passive infrared and passive acoustic array sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, plus combinations of sensor technologies. sensor application topics include safety, operation, multimodal issues, and physical and economic factors that affect installation and performance.

3 The appendixes include a variety of research, background papers, and implementation guidance. The information contained in this Handbook is based on the latest research on available treatments and best practices in use by jurisdictions across the United States and elsewhere. References are provided for the student, practitioner, researcher, or decisionmaker who wishes to learn more about a particular subject. The Third edition is published in two volumes, of which this is the first, Volume I (FHWA-HRT-06-108), containing Chapters 1 through 4.

4 Volume II (FHWA-HRT-06-139) contains Chapters 5 and 6 and all Appendixes. Antoinette Wilbur, Director Office of Operations Research and Development NOTICE This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The Government assumes no liability for the use of the information contained in this document. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers' names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the objective of the document.

5 QUALITY ASSURANCE STATEMENT The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides high-quality information to serve Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards and policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of its information. FHWA periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts its programs and processes to ensure continuous quality improvement. Technical Report Documentation Page 1. Report No. FHWA-HRT-06-108 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No.

6 5. Report Date October 2006 4. Title and Subtitle Traffic Detector Handbook: Third Edition Volume I 6. Performing Organization Code 7. Author(s) Principal Author: Lawrence A. Klein Coauthors: Milton K. Mills, David Gibson 8. Performing Organization Report No. 10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) 9. Performing Organization Name and Address Lawrence A. Klein 3 Via San Remo Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 11. Contract or Grant No. Contract No. DTFH61-03-P00317 13. Type of Report and Period Covered Implementation Package 12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address Federal Highway Administration Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center 6300 Georgetown Pike, HRDO-04, Room No.

7 T204 McLean, VA 22101-2296 14. Sponsoring Agency Code 15. Supplementary Notes David Gibson at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center ( ) was the Technical Representative for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Milton K. Mills, Advanced Research Team FHWA, contributed many technical papers. Traffic sensor researchers and practitioners contributed significantly to document organization, content, and exhibits. The peer review panel, consisting of Darcy Bullock of Purdue University, Dan Middleton of Texas Transportation Institute, and Tom Urbanik of the University of Tennessee, provided peer review and advice based on their use and testing of sensors.

8 Tom Potter of Reno A&E gave technical advice on the electrical functioning of loop detectors. sensor vendors provided technical information and exhibits on their technologies. In addition, many FHWA staff members participated as sensor group members and/or provided comments throughout the project, including Pamela Crenshaw, Ralph Gillman, Peter Huang, David Jones, and Raj Ghaman. 16. Abstract The objective of this Handbook is to provide a comprehensive resource for selecting, designing, installing, and maintaining traffic sensors for signalized intersections and freeways.

9 It is intended for use by traffic engineers and technicians having responsibility for traffic sensors, whether in-roadway or over-roadway sensors. These two families of sensors have different characteristics and thus corresponding advantages and disadvantages that are discussed throughout the Handbook. Topics covered include sensor technology , applications, in-roadway sensor design, installation techniques, and maintenance. The sensor technology chapter discusses the operation and uses of inductive loop detectors, magnetic sensors and detectors, video image processors, microwave radar sensors, laser radars, passive infrared and passive acoustic array sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, plus combinations of sensor technologies.

10 The sensor application topics addresses safety, operational performance, multimodal issues, and physical and economic factors that the practitioner should consider. Appendixes include research, background papers, and implementation guidance. The information contained in this Handbook is based on the latest research available on treatments and best practices in use by the surveyed jurisdictions. References are provided for the student, practitioner, researcher, or decisionmaker who wishes to learn more about a particular subject. The Third edition is published in two volumes, of which this is the first, Volume I (FHWA-HRT-06-108), containing Chapters 1 through 4.