Signalized Intersections

Technical Assistance & Tools
Research
Resources

Technical Assistance & Tools

A Review of the Signalized Intersections: Informational Guide, FHWA-HRT-04-092, 2004.
Because traffic signals play an important role in improving safety at intersections, the FHWA produced Signalized Intersections: Informational Guide, which provides methods for evaluating the safety and operations of signalized intersections and tools to remedy deficiencies. The guide includes examples of novel treatments and current best practices by jurisdictions across the United States. These treatments include low-cost measures such as improvements to signal timing and signs, and high-cost measures such as intersection reconstruction or grade separation.
FHWA / AASHTO Scan Signalized Intersection Safety, May 10, 2002 through May 26, 2002.
The international scan visited the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The goals and objectives were to (1) identify promising and readily implementable intersection-safety solutions and/or programs for deployment in the United States; (2) identify and overcome implementation barriers and special needs and (3) gather specific examples and documentation.
NCHRP Report 500: Volume 12: A Guide for Reducing Collisions at Signalized Intersections [HTML, PDF 1.62 MB]
NEW Proven Safety Countermeasures
Backplates with Retroreflective Borders are featured as one of the nine Proven Safety Countermeasures that are the subject of the 2012 Guidance Memorandum on Promoting the Implementation of Proven Safety Countermeasures.
Traffic Detector Handbook, Volume I, FHWA-HRT-06-108
Traffic Detector Handbook, Volume II, FHWA-HRT-06-139

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Research

Active Projects

Evaluation of Safety Strategies at Signalized Intersections
Start date: 2006/11/1: End date: 2009/10/31
Source Organization: National Cooperative Highway Research Program

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Resources

Improving Signalized Intersections. Public Roads Magazine. January/February 2005.
Investigate Low-Cost Safety Measures at Signalized Intersections, KTC-08-11/SPR316-06-1F, Kentucky Transportation Center, May 2008.
Placement of Detection Loops on High-Speed Approaches to Traffic Signals, FHWA/ NC/ 2007-13, March 5, 2010.
TxDOT Traffic Signal Operations Handbook, Texas Transportation Institute, 2009

Presentations

Signalized Intersection Safety Strategies
NCHRP Report 500, Volume 12: A Guide for Reducing Collisions at Signalized Intersections
Safety at Signalized Intersections

Training

Professional Development Module: Engineering Intersections to Reduce Red-Light Running
Red-light running is a complex problem with few simple answers. This one-hour training program emphasizes engineering countermeasures to red-light running. Potential countermeasures discussed in this module address signal visibility and conspicuity, signal timing, increasing the likelihood that drivers will stop and reducing or eliminating the need for stopping. ITE, 2004. CD-ROM. ISBN: 0-935403-85-X.
Safety Analysis-Signalized Intersections
Institute of Transportation Engineers. The course is a guided tutorial that assists transportation professionals in analyzing crash data and identifying appropriate countermeasures to reduce the frequency of crashes and the fatalities, personal injury and property damage involved. Key concepts are explained using an interactive format and reinforced through a case study. Upon completion you’ll be able to:
- Identify locations for crash studies;
- Determine data requirements;
- Construct and interpret a collision diagram;
- Group crash data and isolate crash types;
- Identify possible causes; and
- Recommend viable safety countermeasures.
Signalized Intersection Guidebook Workshop, FHWA-NHI-380078
Traffic Control Devices-Traffic Signal Needs Determination, Institute of Transportation Engineers. This course is part of the traffic control devices series and has been developed as a guided tutorial to assist staff engineers and technicians in using the methodology outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 2000 for Traffic Control Signal Needs Study. The key concepts underpinning the process of determining signal needs are explained and case studies are used to illustrate the dependent variables. A PDF summary of the course is available for future reference. Upon completion you’ll be able to:
- Identify steps in a traffic signal needs determination;
- Collect and analyze traffic data;
- Determine if warrant conditions are met;
- Identify the appropriate report requirements;
- Assemble an engineering study report;
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages of installing a traffic signal; and
- Identify alternative improvements.
Traffic Signal Design and Operation Training Course, FHWA-NHI-133028