REDUCING TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN HERALD SQUARE

The traffic congestion in Herald Square (intersection of Broadway, Avenue of the Americas, and 33rd and 34th Streets in New York City) is described, and efforts of the New York City Department of Transportation to alleviate congestion are noted. The various approaches that were explored for improving traffic operations are briefly described. Computer simulation and field evaluation of an approach to a solution which involved signal timing changes is also presented. The three possible solutions that were considered are as follows: grade separation of traffic; diversion to alternative routes; a control policy involving signal timing changes. Computer simulation and field studies of the signal timing changes indicated substantial improvements. This solution is noted as an example of a low-cost, transportation system management (TSM) technique.