INTERSECTION CONTROL 2.

Placement: Located within cone of vision of viewer and at distance

to ensure proper response time.

An intersection is an area shared by two or more roads. Its main function is 3. Operation: Fulfill traffic requirements in a consistent and uniform
to allow the change of route directions. way.

Classified as: 4. Maintenance: regularly maintained to sustain legibility

▪ Grade-separated without ramps
▪ Grade-separated with ramps 5. Uniformity: to facilitate recognition and understanding by drivers,
▪ At-grade similar devices should be used at locations with similar traffic and
geometric characteristics.
8.1 GENERAL CONCEPTS OF TRAFFIC CONTROL

Control Purpose: to assign the right of way to drivers, and thus to facilitate 8.2 CONFLICT POINTS AT INTERSECTION
highway safety by ensuring the orderly and predictable movement of all
traffic on highways Conflicts occur when traffic streams moving in different directions interfere
with each other. The three types of conflicts are merging, diverging, and
▪ Traffic signals crossing.
▪ Signs
▪ Markings

The more complex the maneuvering area, the greater the need for a
properly designed traffic control system.

To be effective, traffic control devices must:

1. Fulfill a need
2. Command attention
3. Convey a clear, simple meaning
4. Command the respect of road users
5. Give adequate time for proper response

To ensure these devices possess the five properties, Manual on Uniform

Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) recommend that engineer consider the
following five factors:

1. Design: Combination of size, color, shape.

  Stopping at yield signs is not mandatory, but drivers are required to
𝟖 + 𝟖 + 𝟏𝟔 = 𝟑𝟐 stop when necessary to avoid interfering with a traffic stream that
∴ There are 32 conflict points in this case. has the right of way.
 STOP SIGNS. A stop sign is used where an approaching vehicle is required
The number of possible conflict points depends on the: to stop before entering the intersection.
 number of approaches  Stop signs should be used only when they are warranted, since the
 the turning movements use of these signs results in considerable inconvenience to motorists.
 the type of traffic control at the intersection  MULTIWAY STOP SIGNS. Multiway stop signs require that all vehicles
approaching the intersection stop before entering it.
▪ Primary objective of the design of traffic control system at  They are used as a safety measure at some intersections and used
intersections is to reduce the number of significant conflict points. when:
▪ In designing a control system, it is first necessary to undertake a) traffic volumes on all of the approaches are approximately equal
analysis of turning movements that will indicate the significant type b) traffic volumes are high
of conflicts. c) five or more crashes occur at an intersection in a 12-month period

 If none of the safety or volume criteria (excluding that for the 30 percent
8.3 TYPES OF INTERSECTION CONTROL reduction for speeds of 40 mi/h or more) is fully met, but each satisfies
80 percent of the minimum requirement, the installation of a multiway
The methods used in controlling streams of vehicles depend on the: stop sign is justified.
 type of intersection
 volume of traffic Average Delay
Volume Criteria
of Vehicles Crash
(for 8 hours on an
(during the Criterion
In the US, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is average day)
max.hour)
followed. There are guidelines for determining the suitable control type for a
particular intersection.
Major Not less than 300
● The Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals is the standard 𝒗𝒆𝒉 ___
Road Not less
that the traffic signs in the Philippines are based in and is very 𝒉𝒓
than 5
different from the United States. crashes
The difference: Graphic design and symbological details. Traffic signs in the Minor Not less than 200 Not less than 30
𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒄 per year
Philippines are triangular, with white backgrounds, red boarders, and Road 𝒗𝒆𝒉
𝒉𝒓
symbols that express the specific hazard

 INTERSECTION CHANNELIZATION. Intersection channelization is used

 YIELD SIGNS. All drivers who approach with yield signs are required to
mainly to separate turn lanes from through lanes.
slow down and yield the right of way to all conflicting vehicles at the
 Guidelines for the use of channels at intersections include:
intersection.
a) Laying out islands or channel lines to allow a natural, convenient flow
of traffic
 b) Avoiding confusion by using a few well-located islands ▪ satisfied when traffic volumes on the major-street and on the higher
c) Providing adequate radii of curves and widths of lanes for the volume minor-street approaches for each of any eight hours of an
prevailing type of vehicle average day are at least equal to the volumes specified in the 100
 TRAFFIC SIGNALS. Traffic signals can be used to eliminate many conflicts percent columns of Table 8.2.
because different traffic streams can be assigned the use of the
intersection at different times.
 One of the most effective ways of controlling traffic at an intersection
but since this results in a delay to vehicles in all streams, it is
important that traffic signals be used only when necessary.
 The most important factor that determines the need for traffic
signals at a particular intersection is the intersection’s approach
traffic volume, although other factors such as pedestrian volume and
crash experience may also play a significant role.

 The Manual on Traffic Signal Design gives the fundamental concepts

and standard practices used in the design of traffic signals.
 In addition, the MUTCD describes eight warrants in detail, at least one
of which should be satisfied for an intersection to be signalized.

Warrant 1: Eight-Hour Vehicular Volume

▪ This warrant is applied when the principal factor for considering Warrant 2: Four-Hour Vehicular Volume
signalization is the intersection traffic volume. ▪ This warrant is considered at locations where the main reason for
▪ if both Conditions A and B are not satisfied, and other remedial installing a signal is the high intersecting volume.
actions have been taken without much success, the 80, 70, or 56 ▪ It is based on the comparison of standard graphs given in the MUTCD
percent column may be used ▪ satisfied when the plot for each of any four hours of an average day
falls above the standard graph
CONDITION A. Minimum Vehicular Volumes on major and higher volume ▪ Standard graphs are given for different types of lane configurations
minor streets at the intersection.
▪ satisfied when traffic volumes on the major-street and the higher
volume minor-street approaches for each of any eight hours of an
average day are at least equal to the volumes specified in the 100
percent columns of Table 8.1

An “average” day is a weekday whose traffic volumes are normally and

repeatedly observed at the location.

CONDITION B. Interruption of Continuous Traffic

Warrant 3: Peak-Hour
Four or More 𝒗𝒆𝒉
▪ This warrant is used to justify the installation of traffic signals at 800
Approaches 𝒉𝒓
intersections where traffic conditions during one hour of the day or
longer result in undue delay to traffic on the minor street.
▪ One of two conditions (A and B) should be satisfied for the warrant
CONDITION B
to be satisfied.

CONDITION A
 satisfied when the delay during any four consecutive 15-minute
periods on one of the minor-street approaches (one direction only)
controlled by a stop sign is equal to or greater than specified levels
and the same minor-street approach (one direction only) volume and
the total intersection entering volume are equal to or greater than
the specified levels.

Specified Delay
Warrant 4: Minimum Pedestrian Volume
▪ This warrant is satisfied when the pedestrian volume crossing the
One-Lane Approach 4 veh-hrs
major street on an average day is at least 100 for each of any four
hours or 190 or higher during any one hour and there are fewer than
Two-Lane Approach 5 veh-hrs
60 gaps/hr that are acceptable by pedestrians for crossing.
• When this warrant is used, the signal should be of the traffic-actuated
Specified Volumes on
type with pushbuttons for pedestrian crossing.
the Same Minor Approach
(one direction only) Warrant 5: School Crossing
▪ This warrant is used when the main reason for installing a traffic
𝒗𝒆𝒉
One Moving Lane 100 signal control is to accommodate the crossing of the major street by
𝒉𝒓
schoolchildren.
Two Moving ▪ When the frequency of occurrence of gaps and the lengths of gaps
𝒗𝒆𝒉
150 are inadequate for safe crossing of the street by schoolchildren, this
Lanes 𝒉𝒓
warrant is applied.

Warrant 6: Coordinated Signal System

Specified Volumes for Total ▪ This warrant may justify the installation of traffic lights at an
Intersection Volume intersection where lights would not otherwise have been installed,
but it will enhance the progressive movement of traffic along a
Three 𝒗𝒆𝒉 highway segment with a coordinated traffic-signal system.
650
Approaches 𝒉𝒓
Warrant 7: Crash Experience
 ▪ This warrant is used when the purpose of installing a traffic signal 3. Phase (signal phase). Part of a cycle allocated to one or combination
control is to reduce the number and severity of crashes at the of streams of traffic having the right-of-way simultaneously during
intersection. one or more intervals.
▪ This warrant justifies signalization of an intersection when crash 4. Interval. Any part of the cycle length during which signal indications
frequency has not been reduced by an adequate trial of less do not change.
restrictive measures.
▪ It stipulates that the use of traffic signals is warranted at an
intersection if five or more injury or reportable property-damage-
only crashes have occurred within a 12-month period and that signal
control is a suitable countermeasure for these crashes.

Warrant 8: Roadway Network

▪ This warrant justifies the installation of signals at some intersections
when such an installation will help to encourage concentration and
organization of traffic networks.
▪ Based on an engineering study, it must satisfy the requirements of
the following warrants:
Warrant 1: Eight-hour Vehicular Volume
Warrant 2: Four-hour Vehicular Volume 5. Offset. The time lapse in seconds or the percentage of the cycle
Warrant 3: Peak-hour Volume length between the beginning of a green phase at an intersection and
▪ A major street considered for this warrant should possess at least one the beginning of a corresponding green phase at the next
of the following: intersection; it is the time base of the system controller.
a) serves as the principal roadway network for through traffic 6. Change and clearance interval. The total length of time in seconds of
flow the yellow and all-red signal indications; Provided for vehicles to
b) includes rural or suburban highways outside, entering, or clear the intersection after the green interval before conflicting
traversing a city. movements are released.
c) designated as a major route on an official transportation plan 7. All-red interval. Display time of a red indication for all approaches;
or equivalent standard plots. used as a phase for pedestrian crossing or to allow vehicles and
pedestrians to clear very large intersections before opposing
8.4 SIGNAL TIMING FOR DIFFERENT COLOR INDICATIONS approaches are given the green indication.
8. Split-phase. Part of a phase that is set apart from the primary
1. Controller. A device that changes the colors indicated by the signal movement, forming a special phase that relates to the parent phase.
lamps according to a fixed or variable plan; assigns the right-of-way 9. Peak-hour factor (PHF). A measure of the variability of demand
to different approaches at appropriate times during the peak hour; the ratio of the volume during the peak hour
2. Cycle (cycle length). The time in seconds required for one complete to the maximum rate of flow during a given time period within the
color sequence of signal indication; one complete rotation through peak hour.
all of the indications provided. ▪ For intersections, the time period used is 15 min:
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟
𝑃𝐻𝐹 = 4 ×𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 15 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟
 ▪ It should guarantee that an approaching vehicle can either stop
▪ Used in signal timing design to compensate for the possibility that safely or proceed through the intersection without speeding.
peak arrival rates for short periods during the peak hour may be
much higher than the average for the full hour. ▪ A bad choice of yellow interval may lead to the creation of a
𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 dilemma zone, an area close to an intersection in which a vehicle
𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝐷𝐻𝑉) =
𝑃𝐻𝐹 can neither stop safely before the intersection nor clear the
10. Critical lane group. Requires the longest green time in a phase. This intersection without speeding before the red signal comes on.
lane group determines the green time that is allocated to that phase.
𝑣𝑒ℎ
11. Saturation flow rate. The flow rate in that the lane group can
ℎ
carry if it has the green indication continuously; depends on an ideal
𝑣𝑒ℎ
saturation flow (𝑠𝑜 ), usually taken as 1900 of green time per lane.
ℎ
▪ The ideal saturation flow is then adjusted to obtain the saturation
flow for the lane group being considered.

𝑠 = 𝑠𝑜 N𝑓𝑤 𝑓𝐻𝑉 𝑓𝑔 𝑓𝑝 𝑓𝑏𝑏 𝑓𝑎 𝑓𝐿𝑈 𝑓𝐿𝑇 𝑓𝑅𝑇 𝑓𝐿𝑝𝑏 𝑓𝑅𝑝𝑏

▪ The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) also gives a procedure for

determining saturation flow rate using field measurements.
▪ Results tend to be more accurate than the values computed from
the equation.

8.4.1 OBJECTIVES OF SIGNAL TIMING

▪ Main objective: to reduce the average delay of all vehicles and the
probability of crashes.
Schematic of a Dilemma Zone at an Intersection
▪ Achieved through: minimizing the possible conflict points when
assigning the right of way to different traffic streams at different 𝑋𝑐 = 𝑢𝑜 (𝜏𝑚𝑖𝑛 ) − (𝑊 + 𝐿)
times.
where:
8.4.2 SIGNAL TIMING AT ISOLATED INTERSECTIONS 𝑋𝑐 = the distance within which a vehicle traveling at the speed limit (𝑢𝑜 )
during the yellow interval (𝜏𝑚𝑖𝑛 ) cannot stop before encroaching on the
YELLOW INTERVAL intersection. Vehicles within this distance at the start of the yellow interval
▪ Main purpose: to alert motorists to the fact that the green light is will therefore have to go through the intersection.
about to change to red and to allow vehicles already in the 𝑊 = Width of intersection (ft)
intersection to cross it. 𝐿 = Length of vehicle (ft)
 𝑢𝑜 2 2. The Highway Capacity Method
𝑋𝑜 = 𝑢𝑜 𝛿 +
2𝑎
where: WEBSTER METHOD
𝑋𝑜 = the minimum distance from the intersection for which a vehicle 1.5𝐿 + 5
𝐶𝑜 =
traveling at the speed limit(𝑢𝑜 ) during the yellow interval (𝜏𝑚𝑖𝑛 ) cannot go 1 − ∑∅𝑖=1 𝑌𝑖
through the intersection without accelerating; any vehicle at this distance or
at a distance greater than this has to stop where:
𝛿 = perception-reaction time (sec)
𝑓𝑡 𝐶𝑜 = optimum cycle length (sec)
𝑎 = constant rate of braking deceleration (𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 )
𝐿 = total lost time per cycle (sec)
𝑌𝑖 = maximum value of the ratios of approach flows to saturation flows for
𝑊 + 𝐿 𝑢𝑜
𝜏𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝛿 + + all lane groups using phase 𝑖 (i.e., 𝑞𝑖𝑗 /𝑆𝑗 )
𝑢𝑜 2𝑎
∅ = number of phases
If the effect of grade is added, use:
𝑞𝑖𝑗 = flow on lane groups having the right of way during phase 𝑖
𝑊+𝐿 𝑢𝑜
𝜏𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝛿 + + 𝑆𝑗 = saturation flow on lane group 𝑗
𝑢𝑜 2(𝑎 + 𝐺𝑔)

where: TOTAL LOST TIME

▪ Initially, some time is lost before the vehicles start moving, and then
𝐺 = the grade of the approach
𝑓𝑡 the rate of discharge increases to a maximum.
𝑔 = the acceleration due to gravity (32.2 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 )
▪ This maximum rate of discharge is the saturation flow.
FIXED (PRETIMED) SIGNALS
▪ The signals at isolated intersections can be:
1. pretimed (fixed)
2. semi actuated
3. fully actuated

▪ Pretimed signals assign the right of way to different traffic streams

in accordance with a preset timing program.

CYCLE LENGTHS OF FIXED (PRETIMED) SIGNALS

▪ Each signal has a preset cycle length that remains fixed for a specific
period of the day or for the entire day.

▪ Several design methods have been developed to determine the

optimum cycle length:
1. Webster Method
 ▪ and the actual green time for each phase is obtained as
▪ Dividing the number of vehicles that go through the intersection by 𝐺𝑎1 = 𝐺𝑒1 + ℓ1 − 𝜏1
the saturation flow will give the effective green time, which is less
than the sum of the green and yellow times. 𝐺𝑎2 = 𝐺𝑒2 + ℓ2 − 𝜏2

𝐺𝑎𝑖 = 𝐺𝑒𝑖 + ℓ𝑖 − 𝜏𝑖
▪ This difference is considered lost time, since it is not used by any
other phase for the discharge of vehicles 𝐺𝑎∅ = 𝐺𝑒∅ + ℓ∅ − 𝜏∅
ℓ𝑖 = 𝐺𝑎𝑖 + 𝜏𝑖 − 𝐺𝑒𝑖
where:
▪ It is necessary to provide a minimum green time that will allow the
ℓ𝑖 = lost time for phase 𝑖
pedestrians to safely cross the intersection.
𝐺𝑎𝑖 = actual green time for phase 𝑖 (excluding yellow time)
𝜏𝑖 = yellow time for phase 𝑖
▪ The green time allocated to the traffic moving in the north–south
𝐺𝑒𝑖 = effective green time for phase 𝑖
direction should not be less than the green time required for
∅
pedestrians to cross the east–west approaches at the intersection.
𝐿 = ∑ ℓ𝑖 + 𝑅
▪ The minimum green time can be determined by using the HCM
𝑖=1
where: expressions given:
𝐿 = total lost time 𝐿 𝑁𝑝𝑒𝑑
𝐺𝑝 = 3.2 + + [2.7 ] for 𝑊𝑒 > 10ft
𝑅 = total all-red time during the cycle 𝑆𝑝 𝑊𝑒
𝐿
ALLOCATION OF GREEN TIMES 𝐺𝑝 = 3.2 + + (0.27𝑁𝑝𝑒𝑑 ) for 𝑊𝑒 ≤ 10ft
𝑆𝑝
∅

𝐺𝑡𝑒 = 𝐶 − 𝐿 = 𝐶 − (∑ ℓ𝑖 + 𝑅) where:
𝑖=1
𝐺𝑝 = minimum green time (sec)
where:
𝐿 = crosswalk length (ft)
𝐶 = actual cycle length used (obtained by rounding off 𝐶𝑜 to the nearest five
𝑆𝑝 = average speed of pedestrians, usually taken as 4 ft/sec)
seconds)
3.2 = pedestrian start-up time
𝐺𝑡𝑒 = total effective green time per cycle 𝑊𝑒 = effective crosswalk width
𝑁𝑝𝑒𝑑 = number of pedestrians crossing during an interval
▪ To obtain minimum overall delay, the total effective green time
should be distributed among the different phases in proportion to THE HIGHWAY CAPACITY METHOD
their Y values to obtain the effective green time for each phase.
𝑌𝑖 ▪ Used to determine the cycle length based on the capacity (the
𝐺𝑒𝑖 = 𝐺𝑡𝑒 maximum flow based on the available effective green time) of a lane
𝑌1 + 𝑌2 + ⋯ 𝑌∅
group.
 𝐶
𝑋𝑐 = ∑(𝑣/𝑠)𝑐𝑖
▪ Since the saturation flow rate is the maximum flow rate on a lane 𝐶−𝐿
𝑖
group when 100 percent effective green time is available, the
capacity of a lane group depends on the percentage of the cycle where:
length that is given to that lane group. 𝑋𝑐 = critical 𝑣/𝑐 ratio for the intersection
∑𝑖(𝑣/𝑠)𝑐𝑖 = summation of the ratios of actual flows to saturation flow for all
𝑐𝑖 = 𝑠𝑖 (𝑔𝑖 ⁄𝐶 ) critical lanes, groups, or approaches
𝐶 = cycle length (sec)
where: 𝐿 = total lost time per cycle computed as the sum of the lost time, (𝑙𝑖 ) for
𝑣𝑒ℎ
𝑐𝑖 = capacity of lane group 𝑖 ( ℎ
) each critical signal phase, 𝐿 = ∑ 𝑙𝑖
𝑠𝑖 = saturation flow on lane group
𝑣𝑒ℎ 𝐶
( of green or veh/h/g) 𝑋𝑐 = ∑(𝑣/𝑠)𝑐𝑖
ℎ 𝐶−𝐿
(𝑔𝑖 ⁄𝐶 ) = green ratio for lane group 𝑖
𝑔𝑖 = effective green for lane group 𝑖 ▪ Used to estimate the signal timing for the intersection if this is
𝐶 = cycle length unknown and a critical (v/c) ratio is specified for the intersection.

𝑣𝑖 ▪ Used to obtain a broader indicator of the overall sufficiency of the

(𝑣/𝑐)𝑖 = 𝑋𝑖 =
𝑠𝑖 (𝑔𝑖 /𝐶) intersection by substituting the maximum permitted cycle length for
where: the jurisdiction and determining the resultant critical (v/c) ratio for
𝑋𝑖 = (𝑣/𝑐) ratio for lane group the intersection.
𝑣𝑒ℎ
𝑣𝑖 = actual flow rate on lane group ( ℎ
)
𝑠𝑖 = saturation flow on lane group
𝑣𝑒ℎ
( ℎ ) DETERMINATION OF LEFT-TURN TREATMENT
▪ Left-turn vehicles at signalized intersections can proceed under one
𝑔𝑖 = effective green for lane group 𝑖 (sec) of three signal conditions:
C = cycle length (sec) 1. permitted,
2. protected, and
▪ It can be seen that: 3. protected/permissive turning movements
when the flow rate equals capacity, 𝑋𝑖 = 1.00
when flow rate equals zero, 𝑋𝑖 = 0 Permitted turning movements
▪ Those made within gaps of an opposing traffic stream or through a
▪ When the overall intersection is to be evaluated with respect to its conflicting pedestrian flow.
geometry and the total cycle time, the concept of critical volume- ▪ The suitability of permitted turns at a given intersection depends on
to-capacity ratio (𝑋𝑐 ) is used. the geometric characteristics of the intersection, the turning
volume, and the opposing volume.
▪ The critical (v/c) ratio is usually obtained for the overall
intersection.
Protected turns ▪ It is a function of several traffic parameters, including the cycle
▪ Those turns protected from any conflicts with vehicles in an length, signal phasing, arrival rate of left-turn vehicles and the
opposing stream or pedestrians on a conflicting crosswalk. vehicle mix.
▪ A permitted turn takes more time than a similar protected turn and
will use more of the available green time. ▪ It is suggested in the FHWA publication Signalized Intersection
Informational Guide that a rule of thumb for determining the length
Protected/Permissive is that the length should be adequate to store 11/2 to 2 times the
▪ A combination of the protected and permissive conditions, in which average number of vehicle queues per cycle.
vehicles are first allowed to make left turns under the protected
condition and then allowed to make left turns under the permissive ▪ The length of the left-turn lane can also be determined from Figure
condition. 8.13 and Table 8.4

The HCM suggests guidelines for providing protected left-turn treatments:

1. A protected left-turn phase should be provided when two or more left-
turn lanes are on the approach.

2. A protected left-turn phase should be provided when the left turn

unadjusted volume is higher than 240 veh/h.

3. A protected left-turn phase should be provided when the cross product

of the unadjusted left turn and the opposing main line volume exceeds the
values given in Table 8.3.

4. A protected left-turn phase should be provided if the left-turn equivalent

factor is 3.5 or higher. The left-turn equivalent factor is used to convert left-
turning vehicles to equivalent straight-through vehicles, because left-turning
vehicles generally require a longer green time than straight-through
vehicles.

▪ The length of a storage lane should be adequate for the turning

volume so that the safety or capacity of the approach is not affected
negatively.
PHASE PLANS 8.4.3 DELAY AT PRETIMED SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS
▪ Indicate the different phases used and the sequential order in which
they are implemented. ▪ One of the main objectives of installing a signal system at an
intersection is to reduce the average delay of vehicles at the
▪ It is essential that an appropriate phase plan be used at an intersection.
intersection as this facilitates the optimum use of the effective
green time provided. ▪ Delay is therefore an important measure of effectiveness to use in
the evaluation of a signalized intersection.
▪ The higher the number of phases, the higher the total lost time in a
cycle.
▪ Delay at a signalized intersection can be estimated by using an
expression developed by Webster.

▪ It gives the average delay experienced per vehicle on the 𝑗 𝑡ℎ

approach during the 𝑖 𝑡ℎ phase, assuming a uniform arrival of
vehicles at the intersection.

𝐵 100 − 𝑃
𝑑𝑗 = (𝐶𝐴 + )
𝑉𝑗 100
where:
𝑑𝑗 = average delay per vehicle on 𝑗 𝑡ℎ approach during 𝑖 𝑡ℎ phase
(1−𝜆𝑖 )2 𝑥𝑗 2
𝐴= 2 (1−𝜆𝑖 𝑥𝑗 )
(see Table 8.5) 𝐵= 2 (1−𝑥𝑗 )
(see Table 8.6)
𝐶 = cycle length (sec)
𝑉𝑗 = actual volume on 𝑗 𝑡ℎ approach (veh/lane/sec)
𝜆𝑖 = proportion of cycle length that is effectively green
(that is, 𝐺𝑒𝑖 /C, where 𝐺𝑒𝑖 is effective green time for phase 𝑖)
𝑥𝑗 = degree of saturation for the 𝑗 𝑡ℎ approach = 𝑉𝑗 /𝜆𝑖 𝑠𝑗
𝑠𝑗 = saturation flow for the 𝑗 𝑡ℎ approach (veh/lane/sec)
𝑃 = percentage correction, ranging from 5 percent to 15 percent
 ▪ When such a signal is used, vehicles arriving at the intersection are
registered by detectors which transmit this information to a
controller.

▪ The controller then adjusts the phase lengths to meet the

requirements of the prevailing traffic condition.

▪ The following terms are associated with actuated signals:

Demand - A request for the right of way by a traffic stream through

the controller.

Initial Portion - The first portion of the green phase that an

actuated controller has timed out, for vehicles waiting between the
detector and the stop line during the red phase.

Minimum Period - The shortest time that should be provided for a

green interval during any traffic phase.

Extendable Portion - The portion of the green phase that follows

the initial portion, to allow for more vehicles arriving between the
detector and the stop line during the green phase to go through the
intersection.

Extension Limit - The maximum additional time that can be given to

the extendable portion of a phase after actuation on another phase.

Unit Extension - The minimum time by which a green phase could

8.4.4 CYCLE LENGTHS OF ACTUATED TRAFFIC SIGNALS
be increased during the extendable portion after an actuation on
that phase. However, the total extendable portion should not
▪ A major disadvantage of fixed or pretimed signals is that they exceed the extension limit.
cannot adjust themselves to handle fluctuating volumes.
SEMIACTUATED SIGNALS
▪ When the fluctuation of traffic volumes warrants it, a vehicle-
▪ Uses detectors only in the minor stream flow.
actuated signal is used. These signals are capable of adjusting
themselves. ▪ Can be installed even when the minor-stream volume does not
satisfy the volume requirements

▪ Is based on the ability of the controllers to vary the lengths of the

different phases to meet the demand on the minor approach.
 ▪ The signals are set as follows: 𝑥
𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = (sec⁡)
1. The green signal on the major approach is preset for a minimum 1.47𝑢
period. where:
2. The signal will change to red in response to the actuation of the 𝑢 = average speed (mi/h)
minor-street vehicle.
𝑥 = distance between detectors and stop line (ft)
3. The green signal on the minor stream will then come on for at
least a period equal to the preset minimum for this stream. ▪ However, if the desire is to provide a unit extension time that will
also allow the vehicle to clear the intersection, then:
4. The signal on the minor stream then changes to red, and that on
the major stream changes to green. 𝑥+𝑊+𝐿
𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = (sec⁡)
1.47𝑢
▪ Note that when the volume is high on the minor stream, the signal
where:
acts as a pretimed one.
𝑊 = width of the cross street (ft)
▪ For the minor streams, times should be set for the initial portion,
unit extension, maximum green (sum of initial portion and 𝐿 = length of the vehicle (ft)
extension limit), and change intervals.
▪ Should be adequate to allow vehicles waiting between the stop line
▪ For the major streams, times should be set for the minimum green and the detector during the red phase to clear the intersection.
and change intervals.
𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = (ℎ𝑛 + 𝐾1 )
▪ When pedestrian actuators are installed, it is also necessary to set a
time for pedestrian clearance. where:

▪ The major factor, however, is that a semiactuated signal works as a ℎ = average headway (sec)
pretimed signal during peak periods. 𝑛 = number of vehicles waiting bet. the detectors and stop line
▪ It is therefore important that the time set for the maximum green in 𝐾1 = starting delay (sec)
the minor stream be adequate to meet the demand during the peak
period. Suitable values for ℎ and 𝐾1 are 2 sec and 3.5 sec, respectively.

▪ The procedures described next can be used to obtain some

indication of the required lengths of the different set times.
MINIMUM GREEN

▪ This is the sum of the initial portion and the unit extension.
UNIT EXTENSION
▪ Note that alternative extensions for computing these green times
▪ depends on the average speed of the approaching vehicles and the are also given in the HCM.
distance between the detectors and the stop line.
FULLY ACTUATED SIGNALS ▪ When given the right of way, vehicles move at the same time along
the arterial and stop at the nearest signalized intersection when the
▪ Fully Actuated Signals
right of way is given to the side streets.
▪ are suitable for intersections at which large fluctuations of traffic
▪ A simple approximate mathematical relationship for this
volumes occur on all approaches during the day
system is:
▪ Maximum and minimum green times are set for each approach.
𝑋
▪ Procedures described for semiactuated signals may be used to 𝑢=
1.47𝐶
determine the lengths of the different set times.
where:
𝑋 = average spacing for signals (ft)
8.4.5 SIGNAL TIMING OF ARTERIAL ROUTES 𝑢 = progression speed (mi/h)
𝐶 = cycle length (sec)
▪ In urban areas where two or more intersections are adjacent to
each other, the signals should be timed so that when a queue of
vehicles is released by receiving the right of way at an intersection, ALTERNATE SYSTEM
these vehicles also will have the right of way at the adjacent
intersections. ▪ Intersections on the arterial are formed into groups of one or
more adjacent intersections.
▪ This coordination will reduce the delay experienced by vehicles on
the arterial. ▪ The signals are then set such that successive groups of signals
are given the right of way alternately.
▪ To obtain this coordination, all intersections in the system must
have the same cycle length. ▪ Single alternate - when the groups are made up of individual
▪ In rare instances, however, some intersections in the system may signals
have cycle lengths equal to half or twice the common cycle length. ▪ Double-alternate - system when the groups are made up of
▪ The methods used to achieve the required coordination are the: two adjacent signals
1. Simultaneous System ▪ An alternate system is most effective when the intersections
2. Alternate System are at equal distances from each other.
3. Progressive System
▪ The speed of progression in an alternate system is given as:
𝑛𝑋
SIMULTANEOUS SYSTEM 𝑢=
1.47𝐶
▪ All signals along a given arterial have the same cycle length and
have the green phase showing at the same time.
where: ▪ Computer programs have been developed to cope with several
𝑋 = average spacing for signals (ft) problems associated with progressive signal timing.
𝑛 = 2 for the simple-alternate system ▪ The use of computers to reduce the computational effort and
= 4 for the double-alternate system increase analysis flexibility has made the design of signalized arterial
= 6 for the triple-alternate system systems less taxing.
𝑢 = progression speed (mi/h) ▪ One program is a version of TRANSYT-7F that uses a generic
𝐶 = cycle length (sec) algorithm to optimize cycle length, phasing, and offsets.

▪ Used for several intersections along a street or a single intersection

PROGRESSIVE SYSTEM with complex or simple characteristics.
▪ provides for a continuous flow of traffic through all intersections
under the system when traffic moves at the speed of progression.
8.4.6 SIGNAL PREEMPTION AND/OR PRIORITY
▪ The same cycle length is used for all intersections
Preemption
▪ Limited or Simple-progressive System
▪ the transfer of the normal operation of the signals to a special
- when the offset and cycle length are fixed. mode that allows for trains crossing at-grade railroad intersections
▪ Flexible-progressive System with streets, allowing emergency vehicles and mass transit vehicles
to easily cross an intersection, and for other special tasks.
- when the offset and cycle length can be changed to meet the
demands of fluctuating traffic at different times of the day. ▪ involves terminating the normal operation of the signal traffic
control.
▪ Design of Progressive Signal System
Priority
▪ Involves the selection of the best cycle length, using the
criterion that the speed of progression is approximately ▪ when preferred treatment is given to a particular class of vehicles,
equal to the mean operating speed of the vehicles on the such as a transit vehicle or an emergency vehicle, without the traffic
arterial street. signal controllers dropping from the coordinated mode.

▪ obtained by changing the start and end times of a green phase,

▪ Selection is accomplished by a trial-and-error procedure. changing the phase sequence, or the addition of special phases.

Emergency Vehicle Preemption

𝑋
𝑢= ▪ Preemption is mainly used for emergency vehicles, such as an
1.47𝐶
ambulance, police car, or fire truck.
This equation can be used to obtain a suitable cycle length by using
the mean operating speed of the arterial for 𝑢 and the measured distance
between intersections as 𝑋.
 ▪ In this case, the emergency vehicle is allowed to interrupt the Priority to Particular Class of Vehicles
normal signal cycle so that it can quickly cross the intersection
▪ Priority is usually given to some non-emergency vehicles (such as
safely.
buses and light-rail vehicles) by modifying the signal timing and/or
The MUTCD gives the following examples of preemption: phase plan so that the green phase can be assigned to the vehicle
with the preferred treatment.
1. Promptly displaying the green signal indication at the approach of
an emergency vehicle. The MUTCD gives the following examples:

1. Early start of or extending the length of the green phase at an

2. Using a special signal timing and phasing plan to provide additional
intersection to facilitate the schedule of transit vehicles.
clearance time for vehicles to clear tracks prior to the arrival of a
train.
2. Provision of a special phase that allows transit vehicles to proceed
to the head of a platoon.
3. Prohibiting left-turning movements toward the tracks prior to the
passage of a train.
Standards During Priority Control and During the Transition to Priority
Control
Standards During Preemption Control
1. The shortening or omission of any yellow change interval and of any
1. No omission of or reduction to the length of the yellow change
clearance interval that follows is not allowed.
interval and any red clearance interval that follows should be made.

2. The reduction of any pedestrian walk interval below that

2. Shortening of or omission of any pedestrian walk interval and/or
determined as discussed in Section 8.4.2 is not allowed.
pedestrian change interval is permitted.
3. The omission of a pedestrian walk interval and its associated change
3. It is permitted for the signal indication to be returned to the interval is not allowed unless the associated vehicular phase is also
previous steady green indication after a yellow signal indication in omitted or the pedestrian phase is exclusive.
the same signal phase, omitting any existing red clearance interval.
4. The shortening or omission of any pedestrian change interval is not
allowed.
Standards During the Transition Out of Preemption 5. It is not allowed for signal indication to be changed from a steady
yellow to a steady green.
1. The shortening or omission of any yellow change interval and of any
clearance interval that follows is not allowed.

2. It is not allowed for signal indication to be changed from a steady

yellow to a steady green.
8.5 FREEWAY RAMPS 3. The signals are needed to reduce (predictable) sporadic congestion on
isolated sections of freeway caused by short-period peak traffic loads from
Ramps special events or from severe peak loads of recreational traffic.
▪ Usually part of grade-separated intersections where they serve as
interconnecting roadways for traffic streams at different levels.
▪ Sometimes constructed between two parallel highways to allow The common methods used in controlling freeway entrance ramps are:
vehicles to change from one highway to the other. ▪ Closure
▪ Local (Isolated Metering Control)
Freeway Entrance Ramp Control ▪ System Wide (Coordinated Metering Control)
Main objectives in controlling entrance ramps are:

▪ reduction of freeway congestion. ensures that freeway traffic moves CLOSURE

at a speed approximately equal to the optimum speed. ▪ entails the physical closure of the ramp by using “Do Not Enter” signs
or by placing barriers at the entrance to the ramp.
▪ improvement of freeway safety. allows a better level of service on ▪ simplest form of ramp control, but unfortunately it is the most
the freeway and safer overall operation of both the freeway and the restrictive.
ramp. ▪ The types of ramp closures are:
(1) permanent
(2) temporary, and
Entrance-ramp control may result in long queues, which may result in serious (3) time of-day or scheduled.
congestion on roads.

It is essential that the control of freeway entrance ramps be undertaken only Permanent ramp closures
when certain conditions are satisfied. ▪ do not provide any future opportunity for use of the ramp and
therefore are the most restrictive of the three types of ramp closures
Installation of entrance-ramp control signals may be justified when at least ▪ should be used only when absolutely necessary
one of the following conditions exists:
Temporary closures
1. There is recurring congestion on the freeway due to traffic demand in ▪ used during maintenance or construction activities at the ramp in
excess of the capacity, or there is recurring congestion or a severe accident order to eliminate the potential conflict between ramp and
hazard at the freeway entrance because of an inadequate ramp merging area. construction vehicles, and between construction workers and ramp
An indication of recurring freeway congestion is when an operating speed less vehicles
than 50 mi/h occurs regularly for at least a half-hour period. ▪ used to assist in the management of traffic on a freeway near the
location of a special event
2. The signals are needed to accomplish transportation system management ▪ Bad weather conditions may also necessitate the temporary closure
objectives identified locally for freeway traffic flow. This includes maintaining of a ramp.
the level of service of a freeway at a specific level, providing priority
treatment for mass transit and carpools, and redistribution of access demand
from a ramp to other ramps.
Time-of-day or scheduled closure PRETIMED METERING
▪ used during the morning and peak hours at locations when recurring ▪ the metering rate is based on historical conditions and there is no
traffic congestion may lead to a severe safety problem requirement for communication with a Traffic Management Center
▪ recommended that adequate signing be provided to avoid any
confusion by motorists unfamiliar with the area. ▪ form of metering consists of setting up a pretimed signal with
extremely short cycles at the ramp entrance
Manual Barricades
▪ can be either portable or fixed
▪ Portable barricades - can be moved from place to place and include
gates and cones; used for temporary closures.
▪ Fixed barricades - usually permanently installed and provide the
flexibility of opening and closing of the ramp; include vertical and
horizontal swing gates that are installed alongside the ramp.

Closure
▪ The use of enforcement personnel is another method of ramp
closure.
▪ This is normally used on a temporary basis when automated systems
are either not installed or when maintenance personnel are
The figure above shows the layout of a typical simple metering system for an
unavailable to install temporary barricades.
entrance ramp, including some optional features that can be added to the
basic system.
LOCAL OR ISOLATED METERING CONTROL
▪ uses conditions at a specific ramp to determine the metering rate
PRETIMED METERING
▪ appropriate only for ramps with isolated problems and when no
▪ The calculation of the metering rate depends on the primary
effort is made to consider conditions at adjacent ramps
objective of the control.
▪ Primary Objective: to improve safety or alleviate congestion at the
ramp
▪ When this objective is to reduce congestion on the highway, the
difference between the upstream volume and the downstream
SYSTEM-WIDE OR COORDINATED METERING CONTROL
capacity (maximum flow that can occur) is used as the metering rate.
▪ used for ramps along a freeway segment, an entire corridor, or
several corridors where problems at one ramp may affect the other
adjacent ramps
▪ more effective than local control in dealing with capacity reduction

The methods of controlling ramp meters are:

▪ Pretimed Metering
▪ Traffic Response Metering
TRAFFIC RESPONSE METERING SYSTEM-WIDE TRAFFIC RESPONSIVE
▪ based on the same principles as the pretimed metering system but it ▪ used to optimize the flow of traffic along the freeway rather than at
is based on the actual current information on traffic conditions a single location
obtained from freeway loop detectors or other methods to ▪ Linear programming can be used to determine a set of integrated
determine the metering rates metering rates for each ramp, based on the expected range of
capacity and demand conditions.
▪ has the advantage of being capable of responding to short-term
changes in traffic conditions

▪ The basic requirements include a:

1. traffic signal
2. detectors
3. ramp-control sign
4. controller that can monitor the variation of traffic conditions

▪ The optional features include a:

1. queue detector, which when continuously actuated indicates that
the vehicles queued on the ramp may interfere with traffic on the
local road detectors

2. merging detector, which indicates whether a merging vehicle is still

in the merging area

3. check-out detector, which indicates whether a vehicle uses the green

interval to proceed to the merging area

Two methods used to determine the metering rate are:

▪ Local Traffic Responsive
▪ System Wide Traffic Responsive

LOCAL TRAFFIC RESPONSIVE

▪ uses traffic conditions immediately upstream and downstream of
the metered ramp to determine the metering rate
▪ similar to the pretimed system in that it is frequently used as a
backup when a systemwide traffic algorithm fails