Traffic signals help keep traffic moving and reduce accidents. They can also pose a safety hazard when they fail to work properly.
Traffic engineers determine whether an intersection needs
signal controls by comparing existing conditions against nationally accepted
minimum guidelines (warrants). Engineers consider factors such as collision
history, current traffic levels, and speeds, sight distances, prevailing road
use, and geometry.
Installation
When a request for a Street
Lights Installation, it sets in motion a substantial chain of
tasks. Traffic signal requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis using a
set of measurable criteria. These are compared to current engineering standards
and principles, and a determination is made on the most appropriate safety
improvement that can be undertaken at the location.
During this process, the department must also determine
whether or not a traffic signal would improve the flow of traffic at the
intersection. This includes assessing how many vehicles are expected to use the
location and determining how much time drivers should spend waiting for a green
light.
Traffic signals can be incredibly useful, but they are only
installed in locations where their installation is justified by safety and
mobility concerns. Unnecessary signals create delays that frustrate drivers,
increase the number of rear-end collisions, cause traffic to divert onto local
residential streets, and waste gasoline and carbon monoxide emissions.
Maintenance
Most of the time, people don’t think about traffic signals
beyond their disdain for catching red lights or praise for speeding through
greens. But these are important pieces of equipment that keep traffic moving at
intersections and different junctures along roadways, keeping everyone safe
while reducing traffic congestion and crashes.
These systems vary, from a simple dial timer that changes
the signal at predetermined intervals to an actuated system that can change
according to traffic movements using sensors like overhead devices and in-road
detectors like pressure plates or inductive loops. Whatever the setup, all have
to be maintained and updated as traffic patterns change.
A good preventive maintenance plan should include replacing
lamps before they reach their end of life; routine checking of voltage; and
re-evaluation of signal timings every 3 to 5 years or when significant changes
in traffic patterns occur. A good maintenance shop should also have an
inventory of spare equipment to provide replacements promptly for any problems
that arise.
Repair
When a traffic signal goes down or malfunctions, it can
cause anxiety and frustration for drivers. It’s important to know the right way
to handle these situations.
When a signal malfunctions, the best thing to do is to
continue through the intersection cautiously. It’s important to observe your
surroundings and look for authorized personnel who may be directing traffic. If
you see this type of person, follow their direction while waiting until they’ve
cleared the intersection.
Repairing traffic signals is a vital part of the electrical
construction industry and requires professional IMSA-certified electricians to
do it correctly. This work includes re-wiring, re-programming, and replacing
advanced solid-state traffic signal controllers, signal heads, and poles.
Preventative maintenance is also a part of this work. This involves reviewing
the signal on a cyclical basis to replace conflict monitors, and cabinet
filters, clean around cabinets, treat poles and span wire for pest infestations,
and ensure that detection is working properly.
Emergency Services
When Traffic Loop
Contractors, it can confuse drivers. Generally, the signal will
right itself after a short period. However, if light stays stuck red or does
not change to green when pedestrians and other vehicles are ready to cross,
drivers should treat it like a stop sign and proceed with caution.
Traffic engineers perform a thorough evaluation before any
traffic signal is installed at an intersection. They take into account the
current and expected traffic volume, types of crashes, future development
plans, roadway conditions, and the amount of traffic on adjacent streets.
If you would like to request a traffic signal study, please
write to the Commissioner of NYC DOT. Each district has a team of Traffic
Operations staff that will review your letter and determine whether the signal
timing should be changed. The request must be submitted in writing and may take
up to 12 weeks to process. Traffic signals reduce right-angle collisions and
increase rear-end collisions on major roads.
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