GUIDELINES FOR UNIFORMITY IN TRAFFIC SIGNAL DESIGN CONFIGURATIONS; VOLUMES 1, 2, 3

Studies were conducted to develop guidelines for encouraging uniformity in the design of signal configurations, and improving the performance of signals as critical traffic control devices. Key elements of traffic signal design configurations were identified, and recommendations concerning the design of these configurations were made. The study included the following activities: an anotated 250 item bibliography; a questionnaire survey of current signal design practices; analysis of 672 signalized approach data in eight states; development of an analytical model of the motorists line-of-sight blockage to the signal head due to trucks in the traffic stream; dynamics as a function of both the distance from the stop line and the phase of signal cycle; a study of brake applications (showed that configurations with 12-inch red lenses generally induced the type of operational parametrs of the approaching traffic stream which is normally associated with a decreased accident potential); evaluation of a signal configurations's relative efficiency in rapidly discharging a waiting queue by measuring queue discharge headways; analysis of human factor principles affecting the design of traffic signal configurations; analysis of optical aspects of traffic control signals; measuring traffic stream parameters on the approaches to signalized intersections both before and after planned changes in signal configurations; field experimentation to compare the relative visibility and legibility of standard circular, arrow and programmed signal indications; detailed analysis of the applicable sections of MUTCD based on a synthesis of the findings and of the state-of-the-art.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared for Transportation Research Board, National Cooperative Highway Research Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  KLD Associates, Incorporated

  47 Mall Drive, Suite 8
  Commack, NY  United States  11725-5717
• Authors:
  • King, G F
• Publication Date: 1977-7

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 250 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Approach lanes; Bibliographies; Braking; Economic efficiency; Guidelines; Legibility; Obstructions (Navigation); Standardization; State of the art studies; Traffic control devices; Traffic signals; Visibility
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency
• Old TRIS Terms: Approaches; Sight obstructions
• Subject Areas: Economics; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00165937
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: KLD Report No. 58 Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 12 1978 12:00AM