Traffic Signal Design and Operation

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Master the complete process of designing an intersection from initial concept to final implementation.

• Gain essential skills for preparing design considerations and selecting signal equipment and placement.

• Develop practical methods to enhance your knowledge of uniform traffic control devices specific to Canada.

• Implement guidelines for bikeway traffic control and accessible pedestrian signals effectively.

• Deepen your understanding of the transit priority system to improve traffic flow and public transportation efficiency.

Description
Recent technological advances and the sophistication of hardware and software have revolutionized the design and construction of traffic signals and signal systems. As motorists increasingly experience newer and more effective traffic signal systems, the demand for better service in local areas continues to rise. Transportation authorities are now challenged with the need for additional traffic signals and upgrading existing systems to handle increased traffic flows and heightened safety concerns.

This course offers a state-of-the-art body of knowledge in traffic engineering, delivered in manageable segments interwoven with practical case studies. These case studies emphasize and demonstrate the real-world application of the knowledge gained through lectures. By participating, you will gain the confidence and expertise needed to tackle traffic signal design and operation challenges effectively.

If your current traffic signal systems are struggling to meet new demands, this course provides the perfect opportunity to learn from specialists in the field and share valuable experiences. Join us to stay ahead in the ever-evolving traffic signal technology and management landscape.

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for a wide range of professionals, including directors and managers of transportation, transportation planners, engineers, signal analysts and designers, signal maintenance engineers, traffic project inspectors, public works and development reviewers, bicycle route planners, and landscape architects.

Whether you oversee transportation projects, design signal systems, or maintain infrastructure, this course offers valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance your expertise in traffic signal design and operation.

Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes & the Assessment Method

Course Preview

Pre-Design Activities

• Data gathering

• Warrant analysis

• Gap analysis

Operational Requirements

• Definitions

• Timing and Phasing

• Modes of Operation

• Detection

• Flow principles

• Demo & considerations

• Traffic signal capacity analysis

• Timing with signals

• Level of service

• Highway capacity manual

• Canadian capacity guide

• Intersection capacity analysis

Legislation and Standards

• Acts and Regulations - (Shall) i.e. Highway Traffic Act, Disabilities Act, Municipal Act

• Standards and Specifications (Should) MUTCDC, OTM

• Best Practises (May)

• National standards of signing

• Pavement markings

• Construction zones

Traffic Signal Equipment

• Poles, Signal Heads, Arms, Streetlighting

• Detection Equipment

• Accessibility Equipment

• Underground infrastructure

• Pavement Markings and signage

• Power/cabling requirements

Equipment Placement

• Geometrics (curbs, islands, sidewalks)

• Above-ground design - signal head placement

• Underground design - conduit and chambers

Bicycle Considerations

• Timing and Phasing

• Pavement markings and signage

• Dedicated facilities in signal design

Accessibility Requirements

• Geometrics (curbs, sidewalks, islands)

• Signal Design ( head placement, audible devices )

Traffic Signal Pre-emption and Priority

• Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption

  • Methods and Equipment

• Transit Vehicle Priority

  • Methods and Equipment

Traffic Control Systems

• Definition

• Methods / Architectures

• Communications / Methods

• Synchronization and Modelling

• Advanced Transportation Management Systems (ATMS)

• Centre to Centre data sharing/integration

• Autonomous / Connected Vehicles (V2I V2V V2X communications)

Traffic Signal Operations and Maintenance

• Preventative Maintenance

• Response (Emergency) Maintenance

• Record keeping

• Public Interaction

• Traffic signal “Report Card”

Design Exercise
An intersection plan is provided to pairs or groups of participants. Each pair or group must create a signal design considering the geometrics. Geometric alterations and above-ground and underground plant placement to reflect phasing requirements are to be considered in this exercise. All required knowledge to complete this exercise will have been addressed throughout the workshop.

Design Review
Each group will present their design, speaking to the decisions made and the design approach that they have chosen. After all, presentations have been made, the actual “in place” design will be reviewed.

Concluding Remarks & Final Adjournment