The National Traffic Signal Report Card

• Published in: ITE journal Vol. 82; no. 6; pp. 22 - 26
• Main Authors: Denney, Richard W, Curtis, Eddie, Olson, Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Institute of Transportation Engineers 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Automobile drivers; Best practice; Cards; Constraints; Data collection; Financing; Maintenance; Management; Objectives; Polls & surveys; Resource management; Self evaluation; Strategy; Traffic congestion; Traffic control; Traffic flow; Traffic signals; United States > US
• ISSN: 0162-8178

In the US, local and state agencies are responsible for the management and operation of more than 311,000 traffic signals representing a conservative public investment of $82.7 billion. The National Transportation Operations Coalition periodically conducts a traffic signal operations self-assessment survey. The purpose of the survey is to benchmark current practices and to evaluate how effectively agency programs support the management, operations, and maintenance of traffic signals. The 2012 National Traffic Signal Report Card presents the aggregate response to the self-assessment survey from 225 local and state agencies in the US and 16 Canadian agencies. When congestion is not the problem, aim at smooth-flow signal timing strategies. These are easier to design with limited data, and easier to evaluate with qualitative observation. Strategies for accomplishing this plan include better training choices, emphasis on regional signal operations, tools for better planning for traffic signal projects, guidance for how to develop an objectives-driven traffic signal management plan that guides agencies in providing good basic service even with constrained resources, and methods for implementing adaptive signal control.