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Sponsored by ASCE Continuing Education and the Transportation and Development Institute (T&DI).

INSTRUCTOR: Peter Koonce, P.E.

Purpose and Background
 
Recent advances in traffic signal system technology have led agencies to modify practices and adopt new ways of managing traffic. Traffic signals and the accompanying equipment enable more effective transportation solutions than the industry has seen in the past. The 2nd Edition of the Traffic Signal Timing Manual (STM2) has an increased focus on signal system users and their priorities. In addition to the STM2, there are state DOT manuals and other guidance materials that are changing the way engineers are managing the transportation system. Current signal timing models tend to provide a one-size-fits-all approach to signal timing, which often leads to the incorrect assumption that the model provides the optimum solution. A traffic analyst simply inputs the data required by the model, hits the optimize button, and gives the optimized results to the appropriate person for implementation. The results largely reflect the model's priorities (generally some version of vehicle delay) for system users, which may or may not fit the needs of the actual operating environment or users (including pedestrians, bicycles, and transit). New technology and data (for instance Google Traffic), put a variety of tools in the hands of engineers to solve problems. 

To this end, the use of an outcome based approach to signal timing allows the practitioner to develop signal timing based on the operating environment, users, user priorities by movement, and local operational objectives. Performance measures are then used to assess how well the objectives are being met. Once the objectives and performance measures are established, timing strategies and timing values can be chosen. The final steps of the process involve implementation and observation (i.e., determining if the timing strategies and values are working), as well as sustaining operations that meet the operational objectives through monitoring and maintenance. This webinar familiarizes transportation engineers/planners with the newest innovations in traffic signal timing. The presenter of the webinar discusses recent developments in available design guidance and considerations when designing signal timing and monitoring transportation system performance.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Overview of traffic signal timing concepts
• Emerging technology and how it can be incorporated into engineering design
• Innovative signal timing treatments and measurements
• Examples where unique signal timing strategies have been applied, measured, and managed

Learning Outcomes

• Explain traffic signal timing concepts
• Describe the USDOT smart city challenge
• Identify an approach to engineering design that is appropriate contextually
• Discuss the application of the signal timing in concert with other engineering design principles and technology innovations
• Name the various design considerations for signal timing when designing roadways

Webinar Benefits