Signal Design

NIKHIL SABOO, BITS PILANI

Introduction

A signal through any approach goes through successive periods

Green
Amber
Red
This is repeated in a cyclic manner
Tie duration between the start of a green and start of another green for an
approach is called Cycle Length
During the entire cycle length each approach get their own share of green time
Two or more approaches may get green, amber and red at the same time
Such approaches are said to be in same Phase
2-6 phases usually
Length of each phase : Phase length (duration for which approaches get green +
amber)
Introduction

Fixed time signals: phase length and cycle length remain constant over a period of time
Semi actuated: usually provided when major and minor road meets.
Fully actuated: Signal timing change with demand (demand responsive).
Signal timings for fixed signal doesnot change more than 3-4 times a day.
Warrants for signalization: IRC 93-1985
Total traffic volume warrant: (minm traffic volume): 8 hrs a day.
Minimum delay warrant: (Interruption to continuous traffic): combination for different legs
Pedestrian volume warrant: (minimum pedestrian volume)
Combination of warrant: If prevailing condition close to one of the more warrants.
Accident related warrant: (accident experience warrant)
Minor intersection between two major intersections: exception has to be considered
Signal timing design

Phasing Scheme
Cycle length
Phase length

Greater the number of phases: lower conflicts- more delay- more time lost (startup +
movement)
Thumb rule: prepare two phases and increase only if turning movements are high
and needs separation.
no clear rules of selecting phasing scheme
Signal timing design

There exist a cycle length for which delay is minimum

Sensitivity near optimum is less
Sensitivity after optimum is less
Webster method: first estimate of cycle length
Signal timing design

L comprises of start up loss time (ls); movement loss time (lm) and all red loss time (lr)

(V/S)icr : critical flow ratio for a particular phase (maximum of all flow ratio)
Phase length: Determined by allocating available green time in ratio of critical flow ratio
of different phases.
Available green time: [cycle length-(amber time + all red time)]
Amber time: Dilema analysis
Phase length should be checked against pedestrian crossing time
Signal timing design

Saturation flow : f( width of pavement)

Width Saturation flow

3 1850
3.5 1890
4 1950
4.5 2250
5 2550
5.5 2990
>5.5 525 x W
Signal timing design
IRC Method (Steps)

Calculate pedestrian green time for major and minor roads

Green timing for major road is increased in proportion of the traffic.
Allow for amber time of 2 sec. each
Check for minimum green time: First vehicle will take 6 seconds and others will go at
a rate of 2 seconds. Minimum: 16 seconds
Check with optimum corresponding to Webster method.