Impediments to Good Signal Coordination - Traffic Signal Systems ...

Transportation Research BoardTraffic Control Signals CommitteeImpediments to Good Signal CoordinationJuly 26, 2004Lizuarte Simas, C.E.TPaul G. Ham, C.E.T

Agenda1. Introduction and Overview2. Impediments on progression3. Summary4. Next Steps

York Region Population 865,000 Fastest growing Region inthe GTA Annual budget exceeds $1.7B Operate and maintain over600 TCSWe are Here 1,000 km of roads

Corridor Overview Town of Newmarket Yonge Street from Davis Drive to Green Lane 5 lane cross section 7 traffic signal controlled intersections, 2 km section Multiple NEMA controllers Commuter & local traffic mix

Average Annual Daily Traffic60000Traffic Volume5000040000300002000028%60%103%2000 2001 2002 2003 2004ADTYear

Problem IdentificationOver capacity during the PMpeak period and on theweekendsTraffic Control Signals• No Green bandsProtected left turns at YongeStreet and Davis Drive• Delay to left turningvehicles

Impediments on ProgressionLarge traffic generators• “Big Box” retail• Future residential andcommercial• East side 4500 residential homesand a population of approx.12000Multiple access points• Full – 6• Right in/right out – 8• 4 driveways• Additional mid-block trafficSignal spacing• Range

Impediments on Progression continuedPhasing variations• Fully protected left turnoperationYonge Street and Davis Drive since1960’s• High speeds• Rural road• Protected/Permissive• Split phasingChoke Points• Yonge Street at Davis Drive• Yonge Street at Green LaneDavis Drive and Green Lane – maineast/west arterials for New Market

Fully Protected vs. Protected/permissive Left TurnPhasing at Yonge Street and Davis DriveIntersection Delay (LOS)V/CLeft turnPhasingAmOffPMAmOffPMExisting(FullyProtected)55.1 (E)90.6 (F)116.4 (F)1.332.512.14Protected/PermissivePhasing34.2 (C)63.0 (E)100.2 (F)0.921.551.69Difference38%30%14%31%38%21%

SolutionsFixed Timing• Take back control• Guarantee Offsets• Reduce number of starts and start up timesProtected/Permissive phasing at Yonge Street and Davis Drive• Concerns• Adequate stopping sight distance• Expectations of motorist• Potential increase in collisionsModify and/or paint pavement markings, lane lines withdirectional arrows for turning lanes

Travel Time Analysis – Weekday (PM NB)Travel Time Analyis400Time (sec)3002001000Davis DriveUpperCanada MallKingstonRoadLondonRoadBristol RoadGreen LaneCentreGreen LaneInterstections Along Yonge StreetIdeal Before After

Travel Time Analysis – Weekend (SB)Travel Time AnalyisTime (sec)300250200150100500Green LaneGreen LaneCentreBristol RoadLondonRoadKingstonRoadUpperCanada MallDavis DriveInterstections Along Yonge StreetIdeal Before After

Travel Time Analysis – Weekend NBTravel Time AnalyisTime (sec)250200150100500Davis DriveUpperCanada MallKingstonRoadLondonRoadBristol RoadGreen LaneCentreGreen LaneInterstections Along Yonge StreetIdeal Before After

CollisionsPredominant rear endcollisions60Collision Type1999 to 2002Lack of adequate gaps50Crossing pedestriansPolished asphaltPercentage403020Driver frustration10Lane identification0AngleRear EndsTurning MovementApproachingOtherSideswipedType of Collision

InnovativeLeft turn removal at Davis Drive• Protected/Permissive operations decrease v/c by an average ofapproximately 30%• Queue length decrease by approximately 20%• Reduce driver frustrationFixed timing vs. Semi-actuation• Less spillover• Observable uniformed queuesBattery back-up system (BBS) installed• Yonge Street at Davis Drive

Next StepsReview and compare collisions pre and post improvementsRepaint and/or modify pavement markings, lines and lanedirectional arrowsDelay studies at Yonge Street and Davis DriveLong term capital work projects• Proposed installation of raised centre median, restricting accesspoints• Proposed additional capacity of Yonge Street ie. widening• Opening of Bathurst Street to Green Lane – fall 2004

Hwy. 9 / Davis DriveYonge StreetLong –Term Gridlock SolutionsGreen LaneBathurst Street

Summary 24% average improvement in progression Concerns have subsided Fixed timing Consider removal of fully protected phases toprotected/permissive phasing at other intersections

QuestionsandHopefullyAnswers