Holistic framework for optimisation of life-cycle maintenance of the Hong Kong traffic signal system

Abstract

A central control traffic signal system covering 1800 signalised junctions is operating round the clock in Hong Kong for proper allocation of the right-of-ways at road junctions, and safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians in the built-up area, concentrated in less than 30% of this small city of 1100 km². The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of the HKSAR Government is responsible for maintaining this territory-wide traffic signal system, which is centrally controlled by computer systems installed in Area Traffic Control centres, providing optimum traffic signal timings to minimise vehicular stops, journey times and delays of motorists and pedestrians. To optimise life-cycle management of these systems, EMSD implemented a holistic asset management system (AMS) including compliance with the Publicly Available Specification 55 as well as a geographical information system (GIS) interface with real-time asset condition representations. The GIS is under development as part and parcel of the framework for further enhancement of the life-cycle maintenance and effectiveness of the AMS.

Keywords:

• traffic signal system
• Area Traffic Control
• adaptive control
• asset management system
• PAS 55
• geographic information system

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their sincere thanks to the Transport Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the HKSAR Government for supporting the issuance of this paper.

Notes

1 EMSD is working towards the conversion of the PAS 55 AMS for traffic signal systems to ISO 55001:2014.

Additional information

Mr Kin Hong Chan is an Assistant Engineer of the EMSD, the HKSAR Government responsible for maintenance of traffic signal systems in Hong Kong.

Ms Eva Wong is an Engineer of the Transport Department, the HKSAR Government responsible for traffic control and management work in Hong Kong.

Mr Kwok Leung Ng is an Engineer of the Transport Department, the HKSAR Government responsible for traffic control and management work in Hong Kong.

Ir Che Kit Lee is a Senior Engineer of the EMSD, the HKSAR Government responsible for maintenance of electrical, electronics, mechanical and building services systems and equipment of the Transport Department of the HKSAR Government.

Ir Chau Fat Chan is the Chief Engineer of the EMSD, the HKSAR Government responsible for maintenance of transport-related engineering systems of the HKSAR Government.