Traffic Signal Operations Handbook Workshop Series: Final Report

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) operates thousands of traffic signals along state highways in the state of Texas. The operation of these signals is the responsibility of the TxDOT districts in which they are located. This local operation serves Texas motorists well, but it has also resulted in differences in practice across the state. TxDOT research project 0-5629 developed the Traffic Signal Operations Handbook to (1) provide a uniform basis for signal operation throughout the state and (2) identify cost-effective procedures for maintaining safe and efficient signal operation. This report documents the development and conduct of a two-year series of workshops to share information with TxDOT engineers and technicians regarding the cost-effective design and operation of signalized intersections. Information in the Handbook was used as the basis for the workshop. The workshop was one day in length and was offered at six venues in Texas. Workshop topics include basic signal controller timing, coordination timing, signal phasing, rail preemption, detection design, and diamond interchange timing. The workshop participants applied the Handbook guidelines in several examples using a spreadsheet program called the Texas Signal Coordination Optimizer (TSCO).