TRAFFIC SIGNAL MANAGEMENT

PURPOSE Purpose: Foster understanding through development of educational outreach materials Illustrate benefits and basic techniques Share information on new technologies Highlight need for multi-municipal cooperation Target Audience: Municipal Officials, Planning Commission Members, Municipal Staff Members

WHAT IS TRAFFIC SIGNAL MANAGEMENT? The use of current tools, techniques and equipment to manage streets and signal systems more efficiently and in a cost-effective manner in order to improve safety, economic vitality and quality of life.

The #1 investment we can make for immediate positive impact. Cost-effective way to improve traffic flow. Maximizes the benefits of the existing infrastructure. WHAT IS TRAFFIC SIGNAL MANAGEMENT?

2/3 of all miles driven are on signalized roads Over 300,000 signals in U.S. 75% of the signals could easily be upgraded Congestion affects everyone’s mobility Adding capacity Expensive Long implementation timeframe Potentially controversial Environmental and social impacts WHY TRAFFIC SIGNAL MANAGEMENT?

Less Congestion Improved Fuel Consumption Vehicle Emissions Reduced Improved Air Quality WHY TRAFFIC SIGNAL MANAGEMENT? Properly designed, operated and maintained traffic signal systems yield significant benefits:

Cost effective: cost ratios of 40:1 Low-cost alternative to physical reconstruction Arterial management Saves time for commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, buses and the public Reduces aggressive driving behavior, red light running WHY TRAFFIC SIGNAL MANAGEMENT?

Postpone or eliminate need for additional capacity Safety – reduce accidents by providing smoother traffic flow with fewer stops Maintenance and training streamlined Improved pedestrian flow, side-street movements Municipal cost and energy savings WHY TRAFFIC SIGNAL MANAGEMENT? WHY TRAFFIC SIGNAL MANAGEMENT?

HOW CAN BENEFITS BE ACHIEVED?

Standardization of equipment Remove unwarranted signals Install and maintain equipment properly Traffic signal retiming Implement additional signal plans based on time of day/day of week Turn lanes and minor intersection improvements STRATEGIES

STRATEGIES Traffic Signal Equipment Enhancements: Isolated or independent signals Arterial Interconnected Signals Time based coordination Closed Loop Systems Centrally Interconnected & Controlled Systems Personal computer (PC) based Traffic Operations Centers

Detection & Actuation Strategies Fixed Time Operations High traffic and pedestrian volume areas, Not flexible for changing traffic patterns Central Business Districts hours Semi Actuated Operations Applicable to corridors No detectors or actuation on main streets Fully Actuated Operations Most flexible Best for isolated signals

GOALS Centralized coordination of signals Coordinate signal operations over jurisdictional boundaries Integrate traffic flow over larger areas Corridor Administrator to set up and implement Municipal Training Dedicated funding stream Administrative hierarchy

MULTI - MUNICIPAL COOPERATION Procurement Methods: Department of General Services (DGS) COSTAR program Purchase equipment as public procurement unit = economies of scale lower costs Cost Sharing concept allows municipalities with smaller budgets to benefit too

MULTI - MUNICIPAL COOPERATION Equipment better maintained Reduced liability Maintenance streamlined with standardization Funding for larger projects Municipality retains basic timing parameters Costly reconstruction postponed by utilizing existing facilities more efficiently Repairs made more quickly

Traffic Signal System Improvement Program Traffic Signal Retiming Signal Maintenance Strategies Utilize New Technologies

Traffic Signal System Improvement Program Traffic Signal Retiming: Interconnect signals Wireless technology Hardwire interconnectivity Coordinate signal controllers Reassign green time General cost range $760 - $2,700 per intersection hours per intersection

Traffic Signal System Improvement Program Signal Maintenance Strategies: Preventive Maintenance Remedial Maintenance Staffing Rules-of Thumb One traffic engineer per signals One signal technician per signals Consultants often supplement staff Eligible for Federal Aid Funds

: Utilize new technologies: ACS Lite (Adaptive Control Software) allows older software to communicate Interconnecting signals Spread Spectrum (wireless) Actuating Signals Develop emergency priority corridors Use of LED signal lamps Traffic Signal System Improvement Program

SAVINGS Signal maintenance costs Energy costs LED SIGNAL LAMPS Avg. intersection: 10 vehicular signals/ 8 pedestrian Incandescent bulbs LED Signals Per vehicular signal watts8-10 watts Per pedestrian signal70 watts8 watts Per intersection2060 watts $175/month 164 watts/less $23/month Annual cost / intersection$2,100$276 Average savings of $1,824 monthly/ $40,128 annually per intersection

TESTIMONIALS A statewide traffic signal retiming program in California found the following benefits: 7% reduction in travel time 14% reduction in delay 9% saving in fuel Benefit/cost ratio 58:1

TESTIMONIALS A new signal system and improved signal timing conducted in Abilene, Texas (a mid-sized urban area) achieved: 13% reduction in travel time 37% reduction in delay 6% fuel saving

TESTIMONIALS An advanced traffic control system in Oakland County, Michigan (a large suburban area) achieved: 30% reduction in delay 19% increase in peak hour speeds 6% reduction in accidents 33% reduction in stops

Route 51 Corridor

SYNCHRO/SIMTRAFFIC MODEL – MOE’s Total Network Performance PM CalibratedPM Optimized Total Delay (hours) Delay/Vehicle (seconds) Total Stops Travel Distance (miles) Travel Time (hours) Average Speed (mph)22 Fuel Used (gallons) Fuel Efficiency (mpg) HC Emission (grams) CO Emission (grams) NOx Emissions (grams) Vehicles Entered Vehicles Exited Hourly Exit Rate Denied Entry Before13 Denied Entry After20

TRAFFIC SIGNAL OPERATIONS SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL Help agencies understand opportunities for improving their own policies and practices Designed for any agency responsible for operation and maintenance of traffic signals One hour to complete No data collection required Results used anonymously in the 2007 National Traffic Signal Report Card To use tool: intro.zgi?p=WEB225U6FTB7YM

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: FHWA Operations web site: Traffic Signal Operation Self Assessment: MARC – Operation “Green Light”: ACS Lite Software: PennDOT: SPC: