Validation of a Four-Quadrant Gate Simulation Model: Predicted Versus Actual Gate Operating Values

Coleman and Moon demonstrated a traffic engineering-based design methodology to determine gate delay (length of flashing signal operation prior to entry gate descent) and gate interval time (time period between initiation of descent of entry gates and initiation of descent of exit gates) at four-quadrant gate crossings. A simulation model incorporating this traffic engineering-based design methodology was developed for the Illinois Department of Transportation to assist in establishing four-quadrant gate operating parameters. To assist in validating the four-quadrant gate simulation model, a comparison of the gate operating parameters at a recent installation in North Carolina was undertaken. The findings from the comparison indicate there is close agreement with the values used in the field installation and those determined by the simulation model.