9.

Delay at Signalised Intersections

Objective:
The main objective of this lab is to determine the intersection delay values at a signalised
intersection during peak period.
Applications:
1. Delay studies at intersection are conducted to evaluate the stopped time delay for vehicles
and pedestrians using the intersection. The determination of total delay time helps in
mitigating the intersection delays for efficiently vehicles and pedestrians by taking measures
like checking the traffic controls and signal timing.
2. To determine the level of service of signalised intersection.
Equipment:
The intersection delay data is usually collected manually. In most cases, one observer is
required for each intersection approach being evaluated. In some cases, traffic volumes are
too heavy for one person to handle alone, and a second observer is used.
Each observer needs:
1. Stop watch or wristwatch with a second hand
2. Clipboard and paper to record the delay data.
Study components:
a. Total delay: It is the total delay caused to all stopped vehicles at an approach.
b. Average delay per stopped vehicle: It is defined as the ratio of the total delay to the
number of vehicles stopped at approach.
c. Average delay per approach vehicle: It is defined as the ratio of the total delay to
the number of vehicles stopped and not-stopped at approach.
d. Percentage of stopped vehicles: It is defined as the ratio of stopped vehicles to the
total number of vehicles in the approach.
Procedure:
1. Performing a delay study involves counting the vehicles stopped in the intersection
approach at successive intervals.
2. The duration for the interval is generally taken as 15 sec.
3. Stand at the each approach with data sheets and stop watch ready. Collect the data
recording the number of vehicles at approach which include both stopped and ad non
stopped vehicles during specified interval of time.
4. If the vehicles are recorded more than one interval of recording, the vehicle is counted in
all intervals in which vehicles remain in the study approach.
5. Note the total volume of approach separately during the survey period which includes the
actual number of vehicles both stopping and non stopping.
6. Now calculate components that are to be studied in the intersection delay studies using the
formulae.

Field Observations:
Time
(minute starting at)
Total Number of Vehicles Stopped in
the Approach at Time: Total number of vehicles
+0 sec. + 15 sec. +30 sec. +45 sec. Number Stopped Number Not Stopping















Subtotal:
Total:


Formulae:
Total Delay = Total Number of Stopped vehicles Sampling Interval
= ____________ 15 = _______________ veh-sec.
Vehicles Stopped of Number
Delay Total
Vehicle Stopped per Delay Average

= ____________________ = ____________________ sec.

Volume Approach
Delay Total
Vehicle Approach per Delay Average

= ____________________ = ____________________ sec.

percent _______ __ __________
Volume Approach
Vehicles Stopped of Number
Stopped Vehicles of Percent