 During 2004 and 2005, the MAG Traffic Signal Optimization Program (TSOP) successfully completed twelve projects in eleven MAG jurisdictions. The program has received funds to continue with new projects that will be launched during 2007. Projects launched through this program provide technical assistance to member agencies for improving traffic signal coordination, optimization and review of operations through simulation modeling. Assistance is provided by consultants hired by MAG through an on-call services contract. What is signal coordination and optimization? This involves the implementation of the best possible timing settings to govern the operation of a traffic signal. The objective is to respond to the demands of motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians in a safe and optimum manner. Signal optimization leads to the minimization of stops and delays, fuel consumption and air pollution emissions and maximizing the progression along an arterial. Why is it necessary to optimize signals? Traffic signal optimization is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve traffic movement and make our streets safer and efficient. Signal optimization is performed for any or all of the following reasons: - To adjust signal timing to account for changes in traffic patterns due to new developments and traffic growth
- To reduce motorist frustration and unsafe driving by reducing stops and delay
- To improve traffic flow through a group of signals, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption
- To postpone the need for costly long-term road capacity improvement by improving traffic flow with existing resources
Signal optimization projects have been found to produce benefit to cost ratios as high as 40 to 1.
The TSOP has been championed by the MAG Intelligent Transportation Systems Program to provide traffic engineering assistance for refining signal operations across the MAG region. Projects may cost up to $30,000, and would not require a local match. All of the projects have been completed. 2003-2004 TSOP Projects2007-2008 TSOP Projects| Task Order | Agency | Consultant | Cost | Project Title | | TS07-1 | ADOT | ITS Engineers | $29,920.62 | Grand Avenue Signal Timing | | TS07-2 | Avondale | Lee Engineering | $38,735.36 | Dysart Road Signal Timing | | TS07-3 | Gilbert | Olsson Associates | $29,971.58 | Williams Field Road Signal Timing | | TS07-4 | Gilbert | Olsson Associates | $29,971.58 | Val Vista Drive Signal Timing | | TS07-5 | Goodyear | CK Engineering | $30,782.32 | Litch Field Rd (Wignam Blvd. To McDowell Rd.) | | TS07-6 | MCDOT | KHA | $19,750.03 | Olive Avenue Model | | TS07-7 | MCDOT | KHA | $16,337.33 | Power Road Signal Timing | | TS07-8 | MCDOT | KHA | $8,074.51 | Riggs Road Model | | TS07-9 | Tempe | | $27,000.00 | VISSIM software training | | TS07-10 | Avondale | Lee Engineering | $19,593.09 | McDowell Road Signal Timing | | TS07-11 | Goodyear | CK Engineering | $33,286.87 | Litchfield Road Traffic Signal Timing (I-10 to MC85) |
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