Lecturer Everest Engineering College Traffic Control Device: • The various aids and devices used to control, regulate and guide traffic may be called traffic control devices. • The general requirements of traffic control devices are attention, meaning, time for response and respect of road users. The traffic control devices installed along the road should be well within the field of vision of the drivers who are driving their vehicles at the design speed or at legal speed limit. These devices should distinctly draw the attention of the drivers and should convey the meaning without ambiguity. The location of these devices should be such that there is sufficient time for driver to respond and take appropriate action. Traffic control devices in general should be backed by the law of the land in order to make them useful and effective. These traffic control devices and their meaning should be easily understood even by the road users who are not familiar with the language of the country. • The most common among the traffic control devices are: Traffic signs; Traffic signals; Road markings; Traffic islands. 1.3.1 Traffic Signs: • Traffic sign is a measure to convey specific information to the driver quite in advance so that he/she may become careful. • The traffic signs perform the following functions: They give timely warning of hazardous situations They are of great help in regulating traffic by imparting messages to the drivers about the need to stop, give way and limit their speeds. They give information as to highway route, direction and points of intersection. • Traffic signs, also known as road signs, have been divided into three categories with the objective of regulating, warning and guiding the users of vehicles. They are: 1. Regulatory Signs 2. Warning Signs 3. Informatory Signs 1. Regulatory Signs: • Regulatory signs, also called mandatory signs, are meant to inform the road users of certain laws, regulations and prohibitions. The violation of any of the regulatory signs is a legal offence and is punishable as specified. • In other words, regulatory signs are signs giving definite instructions to the road users. • Regulatory signs are circular in shape. (exceptions – ‘stop sign’ of octagonal shape and ‘give way sign’ of inverted triangle) • The regulatory signs may be classified under the following sub-heads: Stop and give way signs Prohibitory signs No parking and no stopping signs Speed limit and vehicle control signs Restriction ends sign Compulsory direction control and other signs • For example: No Parking, Stop, No Entry, Overtaking Prohibited, Horn Prohibited, Right Turn Prohibited, One-way, Speed Limit, Width Limit, Height Limit, Ahead Only, Keep Left etc. 2. Warning Signs: • Warning signs or Cautionary signs are used to warn the road users of certain hazardous conditions that exist on or adjacent to the roadway. They greatly assist road safety. • The warning signs are in the shape of equilateral triangle with its apex pointing upwards. They have white background, red border and black symbols. • The warning signs are to be located at sufficient distance in advance of the hazard warned against. These distances are to be based on the design speed limit of the road stretch. • The commonly used warning signs are: Sharp Curve, Right Hand Curve, Hair Pin Bend – Left/Right, Steep Ascent/Descent, Cycle Crossing, Pedestrian Crossing, School Zone, Men at Work, Cross Road etc. 3. Informatory Signs: • These signs are used to guide the road users along routes, inform them of destination and the distance, thus providing with information to make travel easier, safe and pleasant. • The informatory signs are rectangular in shape. The color chosen for informatory or guide signs depend on the classification of the road. • The informatory signs are grouped under the following sub-heads: Direction and place identification signs Facility information signs Other useful information signs Parking signs Flood gauge • For example: Public Telephone, Petrol Pump, Hospital, First Aid Post, Resting Place, Flood Gauge Sign etc. 1.3.2 Traffic Signals: • Traffic signals are automatic traffic control devices which could alternately direct the traffic to stop and proceed at intersections using red and green traffic light signals as per the pre-determined time settings. • The main requirements of traffic signal are: - Should draw attention of the road users Should enable them to understand the meaning of the light signal Should provide sufficient time to respond Should ensure minimum waste of time • The decision to install an automatic traffic control signal must be based on careful analysis of the existing traffic data and on sound engineering judgment. • The major emphasis in the criteria for signal control is the volume of traffic entering the intersection and its crossing movements. Advantages of traffic signals: • Properly designed traffic signals at intersections have the following advantages: Provide safe and orderly movement of the traffic at the intersection Traffic handling capacity of the intersection is increased The quality of traffic flow is improved Reduction in accidents due to crossing conflicts, notably the right angled collisions Pedestrians can cross the roads safely at the signalized intersection Provide a chance to traffic of minor road to cross the continuous traffic flow of the main road at reasonable intervals of time Automatic traffic signal may work out to be more economical when compared to manual control Disadvantages of traffic signals:
• The rear-end collisions may increase
• Improper design and location of signals may lead to violations of the control system • The variation in vehicle arrivals on the approach roads may cause increase in waiting time on one of the roads and unused green signal time on other road, when fixed time traffic signals are used • Failure of the signal due to electric power failure or any other defect may cause confusion to the road users Warrants for Installation of Traffic Control Signal:
Traffic control signals should not be installed unless one or more of the following signal warrants are met: 1. Minimum vehicular volume warrant 2. Interruption of continuous traffic flow on major road 3. Minimum pedestrian volume warrant 4. Accident experience warrant 5. Combination of warrants when no single warrant is satisfied 1. Minimum vehicular volume warrant: • The average traffic volume for 8 hours of the day on both approaches should be at least 650 vehicles per hour on major streets with single lane and 800 vehicles per hour on the streets with two or more lanes. Further the number of vehicles approaching the intersection on minor street, on one direction only, is at least 200 vehicles per hour on single lane street and 250 vehicles per hour when there are two or more lanes. • However when the average approach speed or the 85th percentile speed on major street exceeds 60 kmph or when the intersection lies with in built up area, the vehicular volume warrant may be decreased to 70% of the above requirement 2. Interruption of continuous traffic flow on major road: When the traffic flow on the major street is 1000 to 1200 vehicles per hour and there is undue delay to traffic on minor road with a traffic of 100 to 150 vehicles per hour in one direction only during any 8 hours of the average day. 3. Minimum pedestrian volume warrant: When 150 or more pedestrians per hour cross a major street with over 600 vehicles per hour on both approaches. However when the average approach speed or 85th percentile speed exceed 60 kmph, 70% of the above requirement may be adopted 4. Accident experience warrant: If the accident record show that other measures have failed to decrease the accident frequency or when five or more accidents have occurred within 12 months period 5. Combination of warrants when no single warrant is satisfied When no single warrant is satisfied but indicates that two or more warrants of ‘a’, ‘b’ or ‘c’ are satisfied to the extent of 80% or more of the stated volume. Types of traffic signals: The traffic signals are classified into following types: 1. Traffic Control Signals 2. Pedestrian Signals 3. Specific Traffic Signals 1. Traffic Control Signals: • The traffic control signals have three colored (red, amber and green) light glows facing each direction of traffic flow. • The red light is meant for ‘stop’, the green light for ‘go’ and the amber/yellow light allows the ‘clearance time’ for the vehicles which enter the intersection area by the end of green time to clear off the intersection, before the change -over to red signal light. • Different types of traffic control signals are: manually operated signals; fixed time automatic signals; automatic traffic actuated signals. i. Manually Operated Signals: Each of manually operated signals is operated from a salient point at or near the intersection by a authorized person or traffic police. In this, signal phases may be varied depending on the traffic demand at that point of time. ii. Fixed Time Automatic Signals/Fixed Time Signals: This type of signal keeps repeating the same set of signal phases and signal cycle time that has been set in the signal controller. The timing of each phase of the cycle is predetermined based on the traffic studies. This type of signals are the simplest and cheapest type of automatic traffic signals which are electrically operated. The main drawback of this type of signal is that when the traffic flow on one road may be almost nil and traffic on the cross road may be quite heavy, yet the traffic in the heavy stream will have to keep waiting at red phase.
iii. Automatic Traffic Actuated Signals/Traffic Actuated Signals:
Traffic actuated signals are those in which the timings of the phase and cycle are changed according to traffic demand. This type of signals are of two types: semi-actuated traffic signals and fully actuated traffic signals. In fully actuated traffic signals, the detectors and a computer assigns the right of way for various traffic movements on the basis of demand and pre- determined programming. 2. Pedestrian Signals: Pedestrian signals may be installed at the intersection, controlled by traffic signals, to enable the pedestrians to safely cross the specified roads. In such cases , the pedestrian signals and their timings are interlinked to operate along with the traffic control signal. 3. Special Traffic Signals: • Special traffic signals such as ‘flashing beacons’ may be installed at certain locations in order to warn the traffic of certain situations. • At flashing red signals, the drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest cross walk at an intersection or at stop line. Flashing yellow signals are cautionary signals meant to signify that drivers may proceed with caution. Traffic Signal Design Definition of Terms Used in Traffic Signal Design: i. Signal Cycle/Cycle Length: The period of time required for one complete sequence of signal indications is called signal cycle or cycle length. In order to reduce delay to standing traffic, short cycle length is preferred. ii. Signal Phase/Phase: The part of the signal cycle time that is allocated to stop the traffic or to allow traffic movement is called signal phase or phase. The duration of ‘stop’ phase is red phase and the duration of ‘go’ phase is green phase. iii. Interval: Any of the division of the signal cycle during which signal indications do not change is called the interval. General Design data for Signal System: 1. Cycle length for two phase signal is mostly 40 to 60 seconds. 2. Timing of yellow or amber color varies from 3 to 5 seconds, higher values being adopted for higher speed. 3. Timing for green light may be nearly 20 seconds. 4. Timing for red light is slightly less than green light timing. 5. Clearance of pedestrian time is calculated on the basis of pedestrian’s walking speed of 1.2 m/s.
Signal Design Methods:
Followings are the methods for traffic signal design: 1. Trail Cycle Method 2. Approximate Method Based on Pedestrian Crossing Requirement 3. Webster’s Method 1. Trial Cycle Method: Question: 1. The traffic count survey carried out on the cross road for 15 minute during peak hour are recorded as 178 and 142 vehicles per lane approaching the intersection in the direction of heavier traffic. If the amber time required are 3 and 2 seconds respectively for two roads based on approach speeds. Design the signal timings by trial cycle method. 2. Approximate Method Based on Pedestrian Crossing Requirement: • Select yellow interval from 3 to 5 seconds depending upon the speed of approaching vehicles. For speed up to 50 kmph = 3 seconds For speed 50 – 60 kmph = 4 seconds For speed 60 – 80 kmph = 5 seconds • Calculate pedestrian clearance time based on pedestrian walking speed of 1.2 m/s speed and the roadway width of each approach road.
• The minimum red time of traffic signal = Pedestrian clearance time + Initial interval for pedestrian to start crossing. • The minimum green time = Red time of the cross road – Amber period of the same road. • The actual green time needed for the road with higher traffic is then increased in proportion to the ratio of approach volume of the two roads. • Then cycle length is calculated. The cycle length so obtained is adjusted for the next higher 5 sec interval. The extra time is then distributed to green timings in proportion to the traffic volumes. • The timings so obtained are installed in the controller and the operations are then observed at the site during peak traffic hours. Modifications in the signal timings are carried out if needed. Question: 1. An isolated traffic signal with pedestrian indication is to be installed on right angled intersection with road A 18 m wide and road B 12 m wide. During the peak hour, traffic volume per hour per lane of road A and road B are 275 and 225 respectively. The approach speeds are 55 and 40 kmph on roads A and B respectively. Design the timings of traffic and pedestrian signals by the approximate method. 3. Webster’s Method: Question: 1. The average normal flow of traffic on cross roads A and B during design period are 400 and 250 PCU per hour. The saturation flow values on these roads are estimated as 1250 and 1000 PCU per hour respectively. The all red time required for pedestrian crossing is 12 sec. Design the two phase traffic signal with pedestrian crossing by Webster’s method. 1.3.3 Road Markings: • Road markings or traffic markings are made of lines, patterns, words, symbols or reflectors on the pavement, kerbs, sides of the islands or on the fixed objects within or near the roadway. • Traffic markings are intended to regulate, control, warn or guide the traffic/road users. • The markings are made using specified type of paints in contrast with color and brightness of the pavement or other background or by road studs. • The road markings convey the required information to the driver without distracting his/her attention from the carriageway. • Road Markings are classified as follows: • Transverse lines • Longitudinal lines • Transverse lines which are laid across the road at right angles to the flow of traffic. • Longitudinal lines which are laid along the road parallel to the flow of traffic 1. Transverse Markings: • Stop lines • Give way lines • Markings at pedestrian crossings 2. Longitudinal markings: • Lane Lines • Barrier Lines • Hazard Lines • Traffic Island Markings • Edge of Carriageway • Marking for Parking Restrictions • Traffic Lane Arrows Road Markings: Purpose & use • The purpose of road markings is to control, warn, or guide, road users. • They may be used to supplement other traffic signs or they may be used alone. • Their major advantage is that they can give a continuing message to the driver. • Thus they can be used to guide drivers in the correct positioning of their vehicles so that the traffic flows smoothly and safely. • Some help clarify or emphasize the meaning of other signs. • Improved road marking is often the most cost-effective solution to traffic and accident problems. 1.3.4 Traffic Islands: • Traffic islands are raised areas constructed within the roadway to establish physical channels through which the vehicular traffic may be guided. It helps to avoid or minimize the areas of major and minor conflicts. • Traffic islands often serve more than one function. Based on the function, traffic islands may be classified as: 1. Divisional islands 2. Channelizing islands 3. Pedestrian Loading Islands 4. Rotary Islands 1. Divisional islands: Divisional island is also called median island. Divisional islands are intended to separate opposing flow of traffic on a highway with four or more lanes. By this arrangement possibilities of head on collision and other accidents are reduced. The width of divisional islands should be large if the head light glare is to be reduced during night driving. 2. Channelizing islands: Channelizing islands are used to guide the traffic into proper channel through the intersection area. Channelizing islands are very useful as traffic control devices for intersection at-grade, particularly when area is large. The size and shape of the channelizing islands will very much depend upon the layout and dimensions of the intersections. 3. Pedestrian Loading Islands: Pedestrian loading islands are provided at regular bus stops and similar places for protection of passengers. A pedestrian island at or near a cross walk to aid and protect pedestrian crossing the carriageway may be termed as ‘pedestrian refuge island’. It is desirable to provide pedestrian refuge island after two or three lanes for crossing multilane highways. 4. Rotary Islands: Rotary island is the large central island of a rotary intersection. This island is much larger than the central island of channelized intersection. The crossing maneuver is converted to weaving by providing sufficient weaving length.
