Optimizing Traffic Signal Control Systems Using Machine Learning to Minimize Urban Congestion: A Case Study in Metropolis City

Authors

  • Robin Wright PhD
  • Taylor Perez Associate Professor
  • Morgan Nelson Professor

Keywords:

Traffic Signal Control, Machine Learning, Urban Congestion, Reinforcement Learning, Transportation Engineering, Smart Cities, Real-Time Data Analysis

Abstract

Urban traffic congestion remains a critical challenge for transportation engineers, particularly as urban populations continue to grow. This study investigates the application of machine learning algorithms in optimizing traffic signal control systems. We applied a combination of reinforcement learning and deep neural networks to real-time traffic data collected from major intersections in Metropolis City over a six-month period. The results indicated a significant reduction in average vehicle waiting times by 35%, and a 20% overall improvement in traffic flow efficiency was achieved compared to traditional timing schedules. This research provides empirical evidence for the benefits of integrating advanced computational techniques within existing urban infrastructures, showcasing a pathway for smarter city planning and management.

Author Biographies

Robin Wright, PhD

PhD
Metropolis University
123 Urban Mobility Drive, Metropolis, NY, 10001

Taylor Perez, Associate Professor

Associate Professor
Technische Universität Berlin
Str. des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany

Morgan Nelson, Professor

Professor
University of Toronto
27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada

References

Prentkovskis, O., Tretjakovas, J., Švedas, A., Bieliatynskyi, A., Daniūnas, A., & Krayushkina, K. (2012). The analysis of the deformation state of the double-wave guardrail mounted on bridges and viaducts of the motor roads in Lithuania and Ukraine. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 18(5), 761-771.

Yu Timkina, S., Stepanchuk, O. V., & Bieliatynskyi, A. A. (2019, December). The design of the length of the route transport stops’ landing pad on streets of the city. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering (Vol. 708, No. 1, p. 012032). IOP Publishing.

Published

2026-01-19

Issue

Section

Articles