View all webinars related to Nazir Lalani.

The teleconference method allows the audience to see this webinar straight from my office, without having to travel. I have attended many ASCE webinars and find that ASCE knows how to put together an effective webinar. - Anonymous Attendee

INSTRUCTOR: Nazir Lalani, P.E., M.ASCE

Course Length:  90 minutes 

Purpose and Background

This new webinar introduces the practical design considerations in traffic signal designs that are above and beyond the basic introductions. The webinar will focus on pitfalls associated with poorly laid out design plans, utility conflicts, signal indication visibility, difficult intersection geometry, lack of accessibility, neglecting some road users, testing before signal turn on and turning traffic signals on to full color operation.

The webinar focuses on the negative impacts of poorly designed traffic signals, their negative impact on traffic flow and the instructor will work with the audience to identify strategies to remedy the pitfalls before the traffic signals are built. This webinar will introduce complex signal phasing diagrams, heads placement and detection layout with respect to design applications for rail crossings, emergency vehicles, bus transit, bicycles, pedestrians, and cars. Additionally, this webinar will focus on the appropriate signing and striping for traffic signals and common pitfalls to avoid. The webinar will include interaction with the audience about possible solutions to problem intersections and quizzes as well as case studies that will familiarize the course participant with the design process.

Primary Discussion Topics:

• Failing to Address The Needs of All Road Users
• Not Taking Signal Timing Into Consideration Traffic Signal Design (Split Phasing)
• Failing to Take into Consideration Intersection the As Built Geometry
• Not Doing Comprehensive Pre Full Color Operation Tests
• Confusing Design Layouts, Inadequate Notes And Specifications

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding Ten Important Concepts Before Starting a Traffic Signal Design
• Covering Five Basics of Traffic Signal Design for All Road Users
• Understanding Three Intersection Geometry Parameters Affect Traffic Signal Design
• Learning About Five Aspects of Signing and Striping Affecting Traffic Signal Operations
• Learning to Avoid the Ten Most Common Mistakes Made by Other Designers

Webinar Benefits

• Improved Understanding of Traffic Signal Design
• Improved Understanding Traffic Signal Terminology
• How to Achieve Optimum Designs
• Avoiding Problems at Initial Operation of Traffic Signals

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

• Transportation Engineers and Maintenance Personnel for Public Entities
• Highway Designers for All Types of Facilities
• Contractors Building Civil Engineering Projects - Especially Traffic Signal Projects

Webinar Outline

• Clarity of Design Plan Layout
• Complex Signal Phasin
•  Data Collection and Utility Conflicts
• Drivers’ Cone of Vision and Layout Of Signal Heads
• Effectiveness of Advance Warning Systems
• Impact of Emergency Vehicles
• Items to Address in Specifications
• Bicycles Facilities - Detection, Traffic Signal Heads, Striping
• Lack of Accessibility
• Notes for Contractors - What Not to Miss
• Pedestrians (Hybrid Beacons, Lead Pedestrian Intervals And Pedestrian Scrambles)
• Pre Turn On Testing And Procedures
• Proximity of Railroad Crossings
• Sight Distance Impacts on Signal Operations
• Various Types of Detection Configurations
• Work Zone Traffic Control During Construction and Turn On