Synthesis Study of Texas Signal Control Systems: Technical Report (0-6670-1)

In recent years, several versions of traffic control systems have been established across the United States and within the state of Texas. There is a growing need to identify the various versions of these systems that exist, including the system hardware components and communications. Such an effort will also help identify operational successes, deficiencies, cost effectiveness, and other attributes of the various traffic signal system components. The research objective was to develop a synthesis of traffic control system practices that can be utilized by various Texas Department of Transportation districts in pursuance of improved traffic signal operations and reduction in traffic signal system inefficiency and related costs. The study showed that while most operating agencies are utilizing newer and more technologically adaptive systems to control traffic, some agencies still have outdated traffic control systems. The lack of personnel and training to effectively use these advancements is one of the main reasons that the advanced systems are not fully being utilized. An average of 23 percent of all Texas agencies interviewed was equipped to transmit video from the field to their traffic management center. Increasing this percentage could facilitate the implementation of more advanced and effective traffic signal control, but would require the deployment of updated communications mediums. Inter-agency coordination was found to be lacking in most cases due to reasons such as non-uniform communications and controller equipment and communication between agency officials. Recommendations were made on how to achieve better inter-agency coordination and more effective use of signal systems across Texas.