Traffic Signal Operations Handbook, Second Edition

This handbook provides guidelines for timing traffic control signals at intersections that operate in isolation or as part of a coordinated signal system. The guidelines are intended to describe best practices, as identified through interviews with engineers and technicians, and to identify conditions where alternative practices are equally workable. The handbook is intended to make resource investment in signal timing maintenance costeffective and signal operation more consistent on an area-wide basis. It is likely to be most useful to engineers that desire quick-response methods for maintaining or improving the operation of existing signalized intersections. The second edition of the handbook includes new material focused on pedestrian safety at signalized intersections. One element of the new material is presented as guidelines for determining whether protected left-turn operation is appropriate based on consideration of pedestrian-vehicle crashes and vehicle delay. A second element is presented as guidelines for determining whether an exclusive pedestrian phase is needed. A third element is presented as a new appendix that describes alternative pedestrian treatments that can improve pedestrian safety at signalized intersections.