Improving Regional Signal Operations

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Improving Regional Signal Operations
ITE New Mexico Section November 2, 2006
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Regional Setting

• Reno/Sparks metro area population401,000 / 120
  sq. mi.
• Growth rate 4
• Three signal operating agencies
• Reno, Spark, Washoe County
• RTC does not own/operate signals
• 340 signalized intersections
• Systems
• Multisonics VMS
• Eagle ACTRA

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Study Area
Downtown Reno Detail
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Background

• National Traffic Signal Report Card D !
• Last regional signal re-timing effort 1999
• 4 population growth 30 increase in
  population
• 8-10 traffic growth 70-100 increase in
  traffic volumes
• Resources declining

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Project Goals

• Provide real improvements
• 10 to 40 less delay, stops
• Observe and fine-tune in the street
• Expand staff capabilities
• Knowledge
• Efficiency
• Inform the public about signal operations
• Build relationship
• Develop model for regional traffic operations
• Regional cooperation

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Scope of Work

• Task 1. Project Management
• Task 2. Data Collection Operations Review
• Task 3. Development of Synchro Model
• Task 4. Signal Timing Analysis
• Task 5. Identify Signal Improvements to Meeting
  Regional LOS
• Task 6. Before After Studies
• Task 7. Plan for Arterial Automatic Traffic
  Recorders
• Task 8. Arterial Communication Master Plan
• Task 9. Training
• Task 10. Public Outreach
• Task 11. University Partnership
• Task 12. Project Summary Report
• Task 13. Design of Signal Improvements (OPTIONAL)
• Task 14. System Planning (OPTIONAL)

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Task 2. Data Collection Operations Review

• Stakeholders to Identify Study Intersections
• Field Observations - Review of existing
  operations
• Existing Recent Counts Compiled and Reviewed
• ADT Counts
• At critical locations in 15-minute increments
• Used to study peaking characteristics
• Identify peak periods for turning movement counts
• Turning Movement Counts
• At 150 study intersections
• 3 peak periods AM, midday, and PM peak (2-hours
  per peak) in 15-minute increments

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Virginia Street Between 7th 6th Street Sat
Sun ADT
9
Virginia Street Between 7th 6th Street Monday
ADT
10
Virginia Street Between 7th 6th Street
Tuesday Thursday Average ADT
11
Virginia Street Between 7th 6th Street Friday
Average ADT
12
Virginia Street Between 7th 6th Street 7-Day
ADT
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Task 3. Development of Synchro Model

• Develop a Single Regional Synchro Model
• Model Developed Based On
• Previous models developed by MMA
• Current agency specific models
• Utilize UNR Student intern to build model
• Develop 3 to 10 Sub-Regional Models
• Procure an Upgrade to RTCs Current
  Synchro/SimTraffic Software

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Task 4. Signal Timing Analysis

• Analysis of Existing Timing Parameters
• Vehicle clearance times
• Pedestrian clearance times
• Review Actuated Controller Settings
• Develop Coordination Strategy
• Time of day operation
• Traffic responsive
• Groupings
• Outline Deployment Schedule (avoid construction
  projects, special events, etc)
• Deploy and Fine-Tune Coordinated Timing Plans

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Task 5. Improvements Needed to Meet Regional
Level of Service (LOS)

• Evaluate LOS - Synchro
• Develop Recommendations to Improve Intersections
• Geometric enhancements (i.e. striping, etc.)
• Operational improvements (i.e. addition of
  left-turn treatments, detection enhancements,
  etc.)
• ITS deployment (i.e. CCTV, etc)

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Intersection Improvements
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Task 6. Before After Studies

• Drive in Traffic
• Use GPS Technology to Collect Data
• Calculate Average Speed and Delays
• Before Study Just Prior to Signal Timing
  Improvements
• After Study Settling-In Period

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Before-after results

• Pyramid Highway
• McCarran SW

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Task 9. Training

• Three ½-Day Seminars
• Topics Developed by Steering Committee
• Potential Topics
• Advanced coordination main street gapout,
  permissive windows, etc
• Methodology for travel time and delay studies
• Transit signal priority technology,
  implementation, and integration into existing
  signal coordination
• Technology overview and assessment comm
  technologies, central system selection, ITS
  device assessment
• Maintenance operations standard practices

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Task 10. Public Outreach

• Providing Information
• Three Public Information Sessions (meetings)
• Printed Newsletter (every two months)
• Website Hosted by RTC on Signal Operations and
  Timing
• Moderate an E-mail Discussion Group (TBD)
• Document Signal Operation Complaints
• Develop Consistent Process
• Respond to All Complaints
• Development of Presentation Materials
• Community/Neighborhood Advisory Boards
• Agency Advisory Committees
• Professional Conferences

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Task 10. Internal Outreach

• Traffic roundtable
• Troubleshooters Anonymous
• Discussion of controller parameters
• Signal operations philosophy
• Discussion list for Reno
• Techs, foreman, supervisor, DPW, consultant, RTC

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Traffic roundtable agenda

• Introductions
• Safe Routes to School Pilot Project for Mendive
  MS (Sparks)
• Accident reconstruction using GPS in Sparks
• Regional Traffic Guidelines (RTC)
• Website
• Standard intersection and roundabout layout
• Signal turn-on procedure
• Status of Significant Projects (RTC and Others)
• Maintenance of signal interconnect on projects
  (RTC)
• Traffic Consultant Shortlist (RTC-Jim Poston)
• Loops vs. Camera-preference (Reno)
• UNR Research Services (RTC-Jim Poston)
• Left turn control guidelines
• Flashing yellow arrow status
• I-580/US-395 Ramp Meters - Status (NDOT)

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Troubleshooters Anonymous Agenda

• Video issues
• Webcams - City of Reno
• Maintenance of interconnect during construction
• SPUI signal control
• Traffic Signal Operations Specialist
  certification
• Demo-TESCO Traffic Battery Backup System

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Task 11. University Partnership

• Group Discussions
• Operating Agencies, RTC, UNR
• Goal Solidify Partnership withUNR in Traffic
  Operations.
• Research
• Internships
• Guest Speakers for University Classes
• Continuing Education Topics
• Cooperation with UNR on Research Projects
• Diamond Interchange Operation
• Left-Turn Treatments

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Future action items

• Annual retiming project
• Annual count program
• Turning movement counts
• ADTs
• Classification
• Shared operations center (physical or virtual)

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Questions?
JPoston_at_RTCwashoe.com [phone]