How is a 'queue' defined in traffic engineering?

In traffic engineering, a 'queue' is defined as a waiting line of vehicles that forms when the demand for road space exceeds the available supply. This situation commonly occurs at intersections, traffic signals, or during road construction, where vehicles must stop and wait for their turn to proceed. The concept of queuing is significant because it directly relates to the efficiency and functionality of roadways.

Understanding queues helps traffic engineers analyze and manage traffic patterns, design better intersections, and implement traffic control measures to minimize delays. Factors influencing queues include vehicle arrival rates, signal timing, and road capacity. The study of these waiting lines, or queues, can aid in forecasting traffic behavior and improving overall transportation systems.

The other options do not accurately encapsulate the specific definition of a queue in traffic engineering. A system for managing roadway congestion relates to broader congestion management strategies, a formal traffic regulation process refers to policies and legal regulations governing traffic, and a method for calculating traffic flow pertains to evaluating traffic volume and patterns rather than describing the phenomenon of queuing itself.