5 Reasons to Conduct to Traffic Signal Retiming

Transport planning in Sydney & Melbourne

Transport planning in Sydney, Melbourne, and other developing states requires a concerted effort to tackle potential traffic congestion delays. Out of the various traffic engineering strategies available for this purpose, traffic signal retiming is a most cost effective solution. It is a traffic management strategy to reduce traffic delays, unnecessary stops, and improve traffic flow. In fact, signal retiming offers a benefit-to-cost ratio of 40:1.

Here are five reasons why traffic engineers use the traffic signal retiming strategy.

1. Reduce Number of Severe Collisions

As traffic signal retiming optimizes the operation of signalized intersections, it helps reduce the number of stops on the road and entails smoother movement of traffic. Consequently, the benefit results in few severe collisions and deaths on the city roads.

2. Tackle Extra Traffic Generated by New Developments

All new developments, be it homes, stores, or any other commercial building, increase traffic. In fact, when a new development takes place, it often results in roadblocks and diversions, which lead to road congestions in many instances, thereby increasing the need to adjust the timing of affected traffic signals. Engineers conduct signal retiming during this time to reduce stuck traffic movements.

3. Improve Traffic Flow during Reconstruction Projects

Reconstruction projects often lead to traffic detours and lane closures, which results in a substantial change in the demand and supply of traffic. The result is delays and increased fuel consumption. Traffic engineers often control traffic through the implementation of new signal timing parameters and phasing sequences which come under signal retiming.

Related Link: Road Traffic System and Safety Strategies

4. Accommodate Diverted Traffic during Accidents or Events

Many a time when accidents take place, or events occur on the road, authorities may need to divert the traffic to alternative routes. This action may lead to traffic congestion on the alternative routes. Conducting signal retiming can help ensure free movement of people and vehicles where the traffic has increased due to the re-routing.

5. Reduce the Need for Costly Reconstruction

Authorities can delay or skip investing in reconstruction projects designed to help accommodate extra traffic. Rather, they can use existing resources more efficiently through signal retiming and ensure improved traffic flow.

Conclusion

Signal retiming involves a number of elements, from improved control strategies to new signal timing parameters and, at times, minor roadway improvements. All such low cost improvements contribute significantly in reducing traffic delays and saving more fuel. Infrastructure and transport planning consultants, therefore, need to use this traffic management strategy in all places that  experience traffic congestion or look set to do so in future.